I agree with what Merlin said. Rabbits have a higher meat value than a rat. Diet is important but another big thing that needs to be looked at is the amount of meat that is found on the animal. Rats tend to have a lot more bones than they have meat and that doesn't promote much growth.

I've read that feeding chickens causes really nasty-smelling and runny stools. I don't think I'd go that route.
Veronica, that link is great! (My husband was just wondering how he could find out how many calories he was feeding his snakes.)

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Andrea

I always use rat pinkies,to large rats. Rats are better than mice. Most of the time, rabbits are used for larger animals such as retics, rock pythons, large boas, etc. I hate all feeders. Crickets, mice, rats, chicks,... they are nasty little things and I've tried breeding them, never again!
They made my house smell so bad. lol