Learning before breeding

[shortysheree]

Hey everyone

So im not familiar with breeding mice, in the past I bred hamsters and its been a few years since I did that. When i was breeding hamsters I used aquariams and Rubbermaid Storage bins, and some small metal hamster cages.

What all will I need to breed mice?

I currently have 2 10 gallon tanks, 1 is plastic and 1 is glass.

[artgecko]

I don't currently breed them, but I'd say you are probably in good shape.

I'd use aspen bedding (I use a layer of pine pellets under aspen for my rats and it helps keep the odor down).
If you are going to use a mesh top on the tank / bin, I'd advise 1/4", as the little mice can get out of 1/2" mesh.

Be advised too that mice smell... which is why I don't keep them. From what I've read, they smell much more than rats. Apparently the male mice smell the worst, so most people keep more females with just 1 male to service them. Male mice will also fight, so usually can't be kept together.

The only other thing I've read, is that some lines of mice can be prone to cannibalizing their young. This can be made worse if the female isn't getting enough protein (use 18% or higher food) and if she is stressed by a lot of traffic, etc.

Good luck!

[shortysheree]

I don't currently breed them, but I'd say you are probably in good shape.

I'd use aspen bedding (I use a layer of pine pellets under aspen for my rats and it helps keep the odor down).
If you are going to use a mesh top on the tank / bin, I'd advise 1/4", as the little mice can get out of 1/2" mesh.

Be advised too that mice smell... which is why I don't keep them. From what I've read, they smell much more than rats. Apparently the male mice smell the worst, so most people keep more females with just 1 male to service them. Male mice will also fight, so usually can't be kept together.

The only other thing I've read, is that some lines of mice can be prone to cannibalizing their young. This can be made worse if the female isn't getting enough protein (use 18% or higher food) and if she is stressed by a lot of traffic, etc.

Good luck!

Thanks. There wont be much foot traffic as we are turning our spare bedroom into the reptile and rodent room.

[Rhasputin]

Small note, you don't really want to go higher than 18% protein in mouse food. Higher protein levels can cause 'hot spots' which are rashes that develope on the skin, causing pain, itching, swelling, and hair loss. Even a 3% increase or decrease can cause problems. I have been feeding 16% feed for a few years, with no problems however, and I stand by that.

[artgecko]

Sorry about the error.. Many people told me (when I was considering mice) to use 18% or higher protein. I knew that too low was an issue, but did not know too high (at that small of a percentage) was also an issue.

[shortysheree]

I remember when breeding hamsters i made a mush out of bird seed and baby rice cereal for both the mom and the babies. would that work for mice?

[Rhasputin]

It works as a treat. I used to get a ton of expired baby food, and mix it with the rice and oat powders, then bake them into little biscuits for my mice. It's just a supplementary item, I wouldn't count on it being a full diet.

[shortysheree]

oh ya no it wasnt a full time diet, it was offered daily as a treat. does anyone have any links to some good websites with more information?