strong/weak mouse genetics?
I admit that I am a bit ignorant on mouse genetics. I know about rats and the risks of megacolon when breeding high white/blazed faces, etc. Now how does it work with mice; is it similar?
I have one preggo mouse now who's albino.. she is out of a line that produces many babies. My friend had bred them awhile using this line with success. I am not one of those that just goes out to Petco and buys 1.1 mice and tosses them in together and says I am a breeder :) I want to know the best colors and lines for mouse propagation. :)
Re: strong/weak mouse genetics?
You might find this interesting http://www.afrma.org/megacecum.htm You will see that further down they talk about a study done with mice.
Just like with any breeding the best is to be aware of possible risks.
With mice I mainly breed Blue, Chocolate, Albino, and Lilac however I do have some broken marked (high white) and so far all have been very healthy (this is my third generation) if there was an issue I would of course immediately stop breeding the line.
Re: strong/weak mouse genetics?
There is the lethal yellow gene in mice. Homozygous yellow embryos die in the womb, so never breed 2 fawns/reds/yellows together.
There is also a spotting gene that has some genetic problems, though I'm not sure which one. Every spotted mouse my colonies have produced or that I have bought has died very young.
Re: strong/weak mouse genetics?
So it's pretty safe to stick to the white albino "lab mice?" The one I have now is from a long line my friend breeds at her store that have nice large litters.
Re: strong/weak mouse genetics?
Yep! Albino mice are very safe, generally have very large litters and are very prolific. I have had good luck with the long-hairs, not so much luck with the frizzies(rexes). Satins do well and are prolific breeders too. I recently had to feed off one huge male because he was either sterile or just had no interest in breeding. I tend to get alot of black-eyed whites too, and did have a long running line of marked agoutis(blazed). None had problems and were very good moms. I'd like to stick to the albinos and the brindles now, they are working out well.
Re: strong/weak mouse genetics?
I've had the best results with PEWs (Pink Eyed Whites) as well. If I do get any colored mice, I'll usually try to breed a colored male to a couple PEW females.
Re: strong/weak mouse genetics?
Sounds cool.. so are the PEWs albinos?
I am itching to get to this store up in Buffalo. They get male/female adults in and then mix them together (they are all adult sized and seperated on arrival to the store.) So on a good day, you can walk in and buy a handful of already-pregnant females.. they are all the albinos that have nice big litters.
I am definately re-breeding Icy (my current lone albino female with 13 pinks.) She was re-bred after having her last litter unfortunately.. I definately plan on giving her some time off before she is bred again here. How long with mice is good for the girls to recoop?