10 LEAFLET 253, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
pairs, or in trios of one male and two females. The price requested by 
breeders also varies. Rats for ordinary use vary in price from 75 cents to 
$1.50 apiece. Some strains developed for special use may sell for as much as 
$2.50 to $3 each. A sexually mature rat weighing about 200 grams sells at 
approximately $1.20. As with mice, breeding stock sells at a higher price. 
Mice and rats may be shipped safely for considerable distances if properly 
crated and if provision is made for food and water. Shipments may be made 
across the continent by air express, by air freight, or by a combination of 
either and railway express in about 24 to 30 hours. If the destination can be 
‘reached in this time enough feed can be placed in the shipping crates to last 
the animals until delivery. If a longer period of transit is required, food and 
water receptacles should be provided in a separate compartment of the crate 
and arrangements made with the express company for feeding and watering 
at a stated time. Raw potatoes, carrots, or lettuce leaves should be provided 
in addition to the dry food. This will make water less necessary for the 
animals. 
A crate 10 by 24 inches and 10 inches deep will accommodate 20 rats. If 
the trip is for more than 24 hours fewer animals should be put in the crate. 
A crate 12 by 15 inches and 6 to 8 inches deep is sufficient for 25 to 30 mice. 
The top of the crate or the top and one side should be of %4- to %-inch-mesh 
wire screen to provide ventilation. Crates should be supplied with shredded 
paper or wood shavings in which the animals can hide, and in which they 
can seek protection in cool weather. 
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1949 
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office 
Washington 25, D.C. - Price 10 cents 
