Comprehensive Feeder Market Guide

Complete seller's guide to pricing, sizing, breeding, and listing feeder products with confidence

Last Updated: November 2024 â€ĸ Based on research from major suppliers including The Big Cheese Rodent Factory, Polar Rodents, RodentPro, Cold Blooded Cafe, Dubia.com, and more

â„šī¸ Important

This guide provides industry benchmarks and best practices. It is not a strict rulebook. Adjust pricing based on your costs, quality, and local market conditions. All pricing data is from 2024-2025 research.

🐀 Rats (Frozen & Live)

🧊 Frozen Rats Pricing (2024-2025)

SizeWeightMarket Average
Pinky4-10g$1.75/ea
Fuzzy12-19g$2.25/ea
Pup20-29g$2.50/ea
Weanling30-49g$2.75/ea
Small50-69g$3.25/ea
Medium100-129g$4.00/ea
Large160-200g$5.25/ea
XL200-250g$6.50/ea
Jumbo400-450g$9.00/ea
Source: The Big Cheese Rodent Factory, Polar Rodents, Cold Blooded Cafe (Nov 2024)

🐀 Live Rats Pricing (20-40% Premium Over Frozen)

SizeAgeMarket Average
Pinky1-3 days$2.00-2.50/ea
Fuzzy5-9 days$3.00-3.50/ea
Pup/Crawler10-14 days$3.50-4.00/ea
Weanling3-4 weeks$4.00-4.50/ea
Small5-6 weeks$5.00-6.00/ea
Medium7-9 weeks$6.50-8.00/ea
Large10-14 weeks$9.00-11.00/ea
Jumbo15+ weeks$12.00-15.00/ea
Note: Live rats typically command 20-40% premium due to care, housing, and feeding requirements. Pickup only due to shipping restrictions.

🐭 Mice (Frozen & Live)

🧊 Frozen Mice Pricing (2024-2025)

SizeAge/WeightMarket Average
Pinky (Large)3-4 days, 2.5-2.99g$0.50-0.70/ea
Peach Fuzzy (Small Fuzzy)5-9 days, 3.00-4.49g$0.70-0.85/ea
Fuzzy (Large Fuzzy)10-13 days, 4.50-6.99g$0.85-1.00/ea
Hopper (Small)14-19 days, 7.00-12.99g$0.79-1.10/ea
Small Adult20-25 days$0.89-1.25/ea
Adult25-30 days$1.00-1.50/ea
Sources: Big Cheese Rodent Factory, Cold Blooded Cafe, Reptile Deli, RodentPro (Nov 2024)

🐭 Live Mice Pricing (15-30% Premium Over Frozen)

Live mice typically sell for 15-30% more than frozen equivalents due to ongoing care requirements. Common pricing:

  • Pinky-Fuzzy: $0.80-1.00/ea
  • Hoppers: $1.00-1.40/ea
  • Small Adults: $1.25-1.75/ea
  • Adults: $1.50-2.00/ea

Note: Like rats, live mice are typically pickup-only due to carrier shipping restrictions.

🐇 Other Frozen Feeders

🐰 Frozen Rabbits

Sizes range from XS to 5XL (45g-900g+). Used for large snakes, monitor lizards, birds of prey. Most suppliers require $100+ minimum order due to size and shipping costs.

Sources: RodentPro, RRR Feeders, Northwest Zoological Supply
🐹 Frozen Guinea Pigs

Available in 5 sizes (small to 5XL, 45g-900g+). Premium feeder for very large reptiles and birds of prey. Pricing similar to rabbits with $100+ minimum orders common.

Sources: RodentPro, Northwest Zoological Supply
🐀 African Soft Fur Rats (ASF)

Alternative to standard rats, often preferred for picky eaters. Available in small (10-20g), medium (30-50g), and jumbo sizes. Typically priced 10-20% higher than standard rats.

Sources: PreyDirect, Rat Pack Feeders ($200 min order)
đŸĨ Frozen Chicks & Quail

Day-old chicks and quail are popular for larger snakes, monitor lizards, and birds of prey. Sized from pinky to adult. Common pack sizes: 10, 25, 50 count.

Sources: The Big Cheese Rodent Factory, RodentPro

đŸĻ— Feeder Insects

Feeder insects are essential for leopard geckos, bearded dragons, chameleons, and many other reptiles. Pricing varies by size, quantity, and breeding speed.

Insect TypeCommon SizesTypical Pricing (2024)
CricketsPinhead, Small, Medium, Large, Adult$0.09-0.10/ea, 1000ct for $25
Dubia RoachesNymph, Small, Medium, Large, AdultSmall: $11.99/50ct, Large: $17.99/50ct
MealwormsSmall, Large, Giant100ct/$6, 250ct/$10, Giant $4.99
SuperwormsMedium, Large$15-25 per 100ct
HornwormsSmall, Medium, Large$24.99-28/25ct, $0.50-1.00/ea
BSFL (Black Soldier Fly)Small, Medium, Large$15-30 per 500-1000ct
WaxwormsSmall, Medium$10-20 per 50-100ct
Sources: Dubia.com, TC Insects, Josh's Frogs, The Critter Depot, Superworms.com, Fluker Farms (Nov 2024)
💡 Insect Pricing Factors
  • Breeding speed: Faster-breeding insects (crickets, roaches) cost less than slow breeders (hornworms)
  • Size/age: Larger insects cost more due to longer feeding periods
  • Bulk discounts: Buying in quantities of 500+ can save 50-70% vs pet store prices
  • Seasonal availability: Hornworms and silkworms are costlier due to limited availability
  • Nutritional demand: High-calcium BSFL and Dubia roaches command premium pricing

🚚 Shipping Standards (2024)

🧊 Frozen Feeders (with dry ice):
  • Standard FedEx Ground (2-5 days): $30
  • Expedited FedEx Overnight: $45-50
  • Best shipping days: Monday-Wednesday
  • Avoid: Thursday-Friday (risk of weekend delays)
đŸĻ— Live Insects:
  • Standard shipping: $10-20 (temperature dependent)
  • Heat/cold packs: +$2-5 (seasonal)
  • Best shipping days: Monday-Tuesday for delivery before weekend
đŸšĢ Live Mammal Shipping Restrictions

All major U.S. carriers prohibit shipping of live rats and mice. This is why live rats and mice are typically PICKUP ONLY.

Carrier Policies:
  • USPS: Prohibits all warm-blooded animals (explicitly including rats, mice, and other rodents)
  • UPS: Prohibits all mammals including rats and mice (explicitly banned in policy)
  • FedEx: Committed to not shipping research mammals including rats and mice
Source: Scientific American - FedEx and UPS Commit to Not Ship Research Mammals, USPS Regulations, UPS Policies

đŸ“Ļ Common Pack Sizes

🧊 Frozen Rodents (Rats/Mice)
  • 10-pack: Beginner hobbyists, trying new sizes
  • 25-pack: Regular keepers (most popular)
  • 50-pack: Serious breeders, bulk buyers
  • 100-pack: Commercial operations, zoos
đŸĻ— Live Insects
  • 50 count: Individual keepers (1-3 reptiles)
  • 100 count: Regular feeders (4-10 reptiles)
  • 250 count: Small breeders
  • 500-1000 count: Large breeding operations
🐰 Frozen Rabbits/Guinea Pigs
  • 1-pack: Very large sizes (Jumbo to 5XL)
  • 5-10 pack: Smaller sizes
  • Note: $100+ minimum orders common due to shipping costs
🐀 Live Rats/Mice
  • Sold individually: Due to care requirements
  • Bulk discounts: 10+ purchases
  • Pickup only: Carrier shipping bans

đŸ”Ŧ Breeding Best Practices

🐀 Breeding Feeder Rats & Mice

Key Stats & Setup
Breeding Ratios:
  • 1 male : 3-5 females (recommended)
  • Breeding trios: 1 male, 2 females
  • Harem breeding: 1 male, 3-4 females
Gestation & Weaning:
  • Mice: 19-21 days gestation, 6-8 pups
  • Rats: 21-23 days gestation
  • Weaning: Day 21 Âą3 days (18-24 days)
Housing Requirements
  • Mice containers: 20" × 10" × 6" for 4-6 mice, well-ventilated
  • Rats cages: 12"H × 18"W × 24"L minimum
  • Max occupancy: No more than 2 adults + 1 litter per cage
  • Space needs: 100 mice = space of 10 rabbits, ~2 lbs food/day
âš ī¸ Critical Management Points
  • Wean on time (day 21): Prevents overcrowding, injury, trampled pups
  • Ventilation: Proper airflow prevents respiratory infections
  • Record keeping: Track wean per cage, breeding performance
  • Startup costs: ~$150-200 (CO2 equipment, vacuum sealer, housing)
  • Profitability: 5,000 mice/month @ $0.70 = $3,500 revenue (after costs)
Sources: University of Michigan Animal Care Guidelines, Farm Animal Report - Breeding Rats for Profit

đŸĒŗ Breeding Dubia Roaches

Optimal Conditions
  • Temperature: 85-95°F (90-95°F ideal)
  • Humidity: ~60% for successful breeding
  • Heat sources: Ceramic heat emitter, UTH, or heat cable
  • Breeding ratio: 1 male : 4 females (one male can impregnate multiple females)
Housing & Setup
  • Container: 10 gallon aquarium or 40qt+ plastic tub
  • Shelter: Paper egg flats (excellent for roaches, crickets, mealworms)
  • Ventilation: Holes covered with fiberglass or metal screen (hot glue/tape)
  • Feeding: Roach Chow, powdered grains, organic fruits/veggies (especially orange ones)
  • Avoid: High protein foods (dog/cat food, meat) - converts to harmful uric acid
âš ī¸ Important Warnings
  • Allergy risk: Can develop allergies to roach frass with constant handling
  • Solution: Work in well-ventilated room, wear gloves
  • Don't mix species: Crickets are predatorial and eat molting roaches
  • Benefits: Almost odorless, rarely need cleaning, healthier than crickets
Sources: Dubia Roach Depot - Breeding Guide, Dubia.com - Colony Guide, ZOOSnippets - Practical Breeding Guide

✅ Best Listing Practices

DO ✓
  • Include size AND weight in titles
  • Use clear, well-lit photos of actual products
  • Offer 2-3 pack size options
  • State pickup hours and location clearly
  • Ship frozen items Mon-Wed
  • Provide accurate sizing charts
  • Be transparent about breeding conditions
  • Offer bulk discounts for regular customers
DON'T ✗
  • Drastically overprice vs market rates
  • Use vague size descriptions
  • Offer 20+ variant options (confusing)
  • Ship frozen items Thu-Fri
  • List without any photos
  • Advertise live mammal shipping
  • Ignore temperature requirements for insects
  • Mix incompatible species (crickets + roaches)

🚀 How ReptileKitchen Helps Sellers

  • Product Templates: Pre-filled with market-based pricing and variants for frozen/live rats, mice, and more
  • Quick Start: Create professional listings in ~2 minutes
  • Suggested Pricing: Based on 2024-2025 industry research (fully editable)
  • Pickup Scheduling: Configure once, applies to all products
  • Shipping Support: Pre-configured options for frozen feeders with dry ice
  • Variant Management: Easy size/quantity combinations
  • Market Guides: This comprehensive resource to help you price competitively
Ready to start listing?

Use our Quick Start templates to create your first products in minutes

Note: This guide is updated regularly as new market data becomes available. All prices and information are accurate as of November 2024 and sourced from major industry suppliers and research institutions.

Feeder Market Basics | ReptileKitchen Seller Guide | ReptileKitchen