Hopper mice Q

I been wondering about maybe getting a female, and a male hopper. Just to kinda experiment with the idea of breading feeder mice when I get some more snakes in the future.

Stores don't sell only males or female do they? Probably a stupid question, but I could see it being possible. How old are the mice when you buy them? Do you have to wait awhile before you can sex them? And how would you go about sexing them?

You should wait until both male and females are at their full maturity...males may not be as much of an issue but its still a good idea.

You will have to look or ask in whatever "store" you are going to about males and females...there is no "rule" saying they can only sell one sex but some chains do try and do this.

Hopper mice are usually just getting ready to be weaned so take care in selecting them that young.

Sexing rodents is pretty easy, more difficult when they are young but once you study them long enough sexing them at a young age gets easier. You will see a definate "sack" (not sure if I can say balls out of forum context here? LOL) on males.

Hoppers are too young to breed. If you really want to raise them, get ahold of some just weaned females, get them to breeding age (10-12 weeks old) and then move them into the breeding enclosure with a young male.

Yes, most chain petstores (petsmart, Petco, petland) will only offer one sex or another. They say its to avoid breeding in the stores. Anyway, unless the mice in stores look good and small, I wouldn't try getting breeders there: most mice in petstores are already adults or even retired breeders from their mass-rodent-producing suppliers.

The best place to go for some good breeding mouse stock would probably be a place that sells mice as feeders for reptiles. They should already have their mice separated by age (or at least size) and they are MUCH cheaper. Or, if you're lucky enough to know someone who breeds mice near you, you could ask them for a few youngsters to start your own operation. :)

Sorry that was so long...

What you will find will depend on the store and the area, Petsmart near me only sells males, Petco sells both but they kept seperated.

Petco mice are $1.99 Petsart are $4.99

If you start breeding mice make sure to do some research and start with 1.2 (1 male 2 females)

Mice are not as easy as rats are and many people experience problems when starting to breed mice.

I bought my first 1.2 pair from Petco, and had no idea that I needed to wait for the females to get to a certain age before breeding. Took about 6 weeks for me to get my first litter, but it was healthy (11 babies), as have all others been since then. I'd say they're (mice) a little difficult to get started breeding, but once they do they won't stop.

My advice is the same as has already been given here. Find a local store that sells feeder mice since they probably breed their own. They'll be able to get you started with a 1.2 group of appropriate size/age.

As for me, I'm getting my first 1.2 rat group this weekend hopefully...

Well I've actually talked to the person who breeds the mice. I go there when they get re-stocked at Pets Warehouse on Thursdays.

I might try hitting him up from some breeders.

I think he is the main person who supply's that store.

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Originally Posted by Classicrocker42o

I been wondering about maybe getting a female, and a male hopper. Just to kinda experiment with the idea of breading feeder mice when I get some more snakes in the future.

Stores don't sell only males or female do they? Probably a stupid question, but I could see it being possible. How old are the mice when you buy them? Do you have to wait awhile before you can sex them? And how would you go about sexing them?

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Well being hoppers they are much too young to breed. You should get adult mice. Petco, petsmart both sell adult male and female mice. Research online about breeding them and proper care and you shouldnt go wrong :)

The female should have about 6 babies each time (minimum if she is a good,young female and not too old) and you'll need another tank to put the babies in once they are small-mice size.

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Originally Posted by KittyJ

Well being hoppers they are much too young to breed. You should get adult mice. Petco, petsmart both sell adult male and female mice. Research online about breeding them and proper care and you shouldnt go wrong :)

The female should have about 6 babies each time (minimum if she is a good,young female and not too old) and you'll need another tank to put the babies in once they are small-mice size.

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6? I haven't had a single litter under 10... If they're birthing less than 8 consistently then they're likely past their prime.

You sare smart in wanting to buy smaller-sized ones to grow up for eventual breeding. Like the others said; buying adult females usually means you're getting someone else's washed-up breeders. But I am sure that you know to wait until they are of the right size.

I just got a cage from a friend who use to have a hamster in it. So I think It would work for mice.

The only thing is that the top is bar like, and it's about a 3/8 inch gap I believe. What size mouse could get out, or would it hold them in?

I also found out that Pets Warehouse they only have male mice.