Is it aggression?

We purchased two mice on Friday to start our breeding colony. This first breeding is a trial so we can get idea of how things go. I have pictures of the male and female if anyone is interested in seeing them. I know colors can play a part in genetic disorders or at least be linked to them.

Well here is the question. They have been cuddling, sharing food, digging around together but every now and then we will hear squeaking coming from the cage and we see the male chasing the female around the cage. Then the female will run into her little hut to get away from the male, he will follow, there is a moment or two of squeaking and then the female runs out and the male does not follow. Any idea what the heck is going on? Is he trying to mate with her or attack her?

same deal with some small rats I had a while back...

They could be just playing :)

We see no injuries afterward but we just don't want anyone getting hurt.

Here are pictures of the breeders.

Male
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r.../Snakes036.jpg

Female
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r.../Snakes037.jpg

They actually decorated thier own cage. Decided it was much more fung shui to have the little house on the opposite side of the cage from where I originally put it. :8:

Are you sure they arent mating? I know my females make a big noisy fuss over the males, chase her around, squeaking, get it done. Male licks himself, girl looks ravashed.

I have the same EXACT problem! I am trying to breed but they don't seem to go at it! I'm just going to feed them to my snake I think. And I hate how my room smells even though I clean the cage twice a week! Sorry for my rant; maybe just some mice rather... not breed... Or maybe they're too young... dunno.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by littleindiangirl

Are you sure they arent mating? I know my females make a big noisy fuss over the males, chase her around, squeaking, get it done. Male licks himself, girl looks ravashed.

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LOL or that ^^^

It is quite a fuss they make so maybe they are. My fiance said they went at it once but we have not seen anything else since. If they are mating, how long before we know she's conceived?

umm, I can tell with rats after a week, I have no idea about mice. I believe most people leave them together until she looks like she is going to explode. Then they pull the male out.