young rat feed?

Question
I was wondering if there is a special food I should be feeding the young rats Bella, Stella and Skyline. They are about two months old. Right now we are feeding them regular rat feed but since they are so young I did not know if they need special food to help with them growing and developing. Sorry for all the questions, I am a first time rat owner!

Answer
Your rats become full grown adults at 6 months.  You didn't mention if you are feeding any lab blocks or just the rat feed.  I would recommend Harlan Teklad lab blocks as well as a dry food mix (as well as of course fresh healthy fruits and veggies daily).  Harlan Teklad lab blocks come in the #8604 formula which is intended for young rats until 6 months because it has a higher protein content.  You cannot purchase these lab blocks at a pet store and will need to go online to do so.  One website that sells them is thecraftyrat.com for about $5 for a 5-lb bag.

Once your rats are adults, you can switch to Harlan Teklad formula #2014.  As far as the rat feed you are buying, please don't tell me it's Fiesta brand or another pet store brand.

Unfortunately, most store-bought rat mixes, including Fiesta, are a terrible staple diet for rats.  Fiesta and other store brands contain a high content of corn and peanuts.  It is critical for rats to have a diet that is VERY low in protein and fats.  Nuts and seeds of any kind should be given VERY sparingly as they are both high in fat and protein.  

I've researched the internet extensively and there are many great recommended home-made diets you can put together quickly and very cheaply yourself.  That is what I've been doing for years and it's super easy. I shop at farmer's market type stores like Henry's or Sprouts where you can buy items in bulk.  You put together a large amount and keep it in an air-tight container and it will last for several months before you have to replenish it.

Here is a great diet that I found that I have only slightly modifed for my rats:
1 lb box of tri-color pasta
1 lb box of whole wheat pasta
1 container of rolled oats
1 bag of puffed rice
1 bag of puffed wheat
Small amount of sunflower seeds
1 box of Total cereal
1 box low fat granola
Dried cranberries
Nutro lite dog food

Check out this awesome website for more rat mix ideas and based on what you learn, you may even come up with your very own, and your rats will LOVE every single ingredient!!
Click on this link to the site --> http://www.sandyscrittercity.com/ratsandahealthydiet.htm
There is a ton of great information not just about diet on it.