Feeder Rack Space Planner

Estimate how many colonies and feeders your racks can support. A capacity planning tool to help you understand your operation's potential.

Other feeder tools: Use the Feeder Colony Forecaster to plan production based on this capacity, and the Feeder Profit Estimator to calculate ROI.

Rack Setup

Common setups: 6-tub rack, 8-tub rack, or 12-tub rack

Include both breeders and grow-outs if they share space

Colony Model

Common rat colony: 1 male + 4 females = 5 animals per bin

30% of bins will be for grow-out

Average monthly production per breeding colony

Capacity Summary

Total Bins

12

Max Animals Housed

60

Max Breeding Colonies

8

Est. Monthly Production

160

Bin Allocation

Breeding Colony Bins

8

70% of total bins

Grow-Out Bins

4

30% of total bins

Summary

With 2 rack(s) containing 6 bins each, you have 12 total bins that can house up to 60 animals.

At 70% allocation for breeding colonies, you can maintain up to 8 breeding colonies, producing approximately 160 feeders per month.

Common Rack Setups

  • 6-Tub Rack: Great for hobbyists, typically holds 1-2 colonies
  • 8-Tub Rack: Common for small-scale breeders
  • 12-Tub Rack: Standard for medium operations
  • Custom/Commercial: Larger setups with 20+ bins per rack

Colony Sizing Tips (2024-2025 Data)

Based on common industry practices and breeder community standards.

  • Rats: Common setup is 1 male + 4 females (5 animals per bin), ~20 feeders/colony/month
  • Mice: Can often house 1 male + 2-3 females per bin
  • Grow-out: Allocate 20-40% of bins for weanlings and grow-outs

Disclaimer: These calculations are estimates for planning purposes only. Actual capacity depends on bin dimensions, animal welfare requirements, and local regulations. Always prioritize animal welfare and consult experienced breeders when setting up your operation.

Feeder Rack Space Planner | ReptileKitchen | ReptileKitchen