Cannibalistic mice

[ironpython]

I have been breeding rats for a year but had to start with mice to feed stubborn hatchlings, and have had terrible success with the mice everytime I get a litter the mice eat them. Any ideas what I might be doing wrong?

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[satomi325]

Assuming that they have nutritious food and water at all times and aren't overly stressed, its probably genetic. Cannibalism can be hereditary in mice, so you might want to cull the killer or the whole group and start a new group.

I breed mice here and there if I need it. I thankfully haven't experienced cannibalism yet.

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[Mephibosheth1]

Definitely cull the killers and ALL the surviving babies.

I've faced outbreaks in this regard, and have succeeded in stopping the cannibalism only through very aggressive action to eliminate the unhealthy stock.

That being said, improper husbandry CAN cause the cannibalism too....but if you're cleaning the cages at least once every 14 days, feeding nutritionally complete food, and providing enough water, there should be no reason for them to eat each other.

[ironpython]

Well they are kept in a rack with my rats with a watering system, and are fed mazuri 6f I also give them black sunflower seeds ocasionaly as a supplement. I keep feed on the wire above the tub and also drop it in by hand to make sure they always have some. I also keep short pieces of PVC pipe in the tub for hides. I think I had one partial litter survive since I started them in July.

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[ironpython]

Im about sick of the little boogers.

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[Mephibosheth1]

Might be better to try starting over....try getting different mice from a variety of petshops in the area (or surrounding cities) if possible, that way you can get some from varying sources