1. How many mice can live in a 10gal tank? Rats?
2. Which stink more, rats or mice?
3. Is a vitamin supplement necessary with a proper diet?
4. What is the best diet for colonies?
5. How do I reduce the smell of a breeding colony?
6. How many of which sexes should I keep in an enclosure if I plan on breeding?
7. What are the preferred substrates for rodent colonies?
8. Where can I get affordable substrate in quantity?
9. At what age should I wean my rats?
10. What kinds of enclosures are good for mice colonies?
11. What kinds of enclosures are good for rat colonies?
12. What are some common illnesses or genetic problems I should be aware of?
13. When (if at all) should I pull the male out of the breeding tank?
14. Is it really cheaper to breed my own feeders?
15. What ages are the best for rats to begin their breeding careers? When should they retire?
16. What ages are the best for mice to begin their breeding careers? When should they retire?
17. How long is gestation for rats? For mice?
18. Is it messy when they give birth?
19. How often can a female rat have new litters? A mouse?
20. If I take away all a rat’s newborn babies, can she get pregnant again right away?
21. Is it OK to keep multiple rat/mice moms together?
22. What is "myco?" What are its symptoms and triggers?
23. What is "megacolon?"
24. What is "porphyrin?"
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1. How many mice can live in a 10gal tank? Rats?
Mice – One male and two females can be kept in a single 10gal tank.
Rats – One breeding female and her young up to weaning can live in a 10 gallon tank if it's a very small litter. Adult male rats and multiple adults cannot live in a 10 gallon tank as it does not give them enough room and because it does not provide enough ventilation and will get smelly fast (especially for the stronger urine smells associated with adult male rats).
2. Which stinks more, rats or mice?
Mice
3. Is a vitamin supplement necessary with a proper diet?
No, a well balanced diet will provide everything a rat or mouse needs to breed and to grow to become a healthy feeder.
4. What is the best diet for colonies?
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5. How do I reduce the smell of a breeding colony?
Weekly cleaning is a must. Mid-week addition of a bit of fresh bedding often helps between cleanings. Try adding a small amount of vanilla to your water bottles to cut down on urine odors. Proper ventilation both in the enclosure and in the room is a must. Over crowding of your colony enclosures will usually result in excessive odors.
6. How many of which sexes should I keep in an enclosure if I plan on breeding?
Depending on the size of your enclosure you may want to try one male with 2 to 4 females but this is dependent on your specific requirements for prey each month.
7. What are the preferred substrates for rodent colonies?
Aspen, pine or an aspen/pine combination usually work best and are the most cost effective. Pine can be a bit dusty so watch your rodents for any indications of respiratory issues when using it. Cedar is never recommended due to the toxic oils naturally present in it.
8. Where can I get affordable substrate in quantity?
Check your local farm or feed/tack store for larger quantity bags. WalMart or that type of store may also have some decent deals. You can find some deals online but don’t forget to calculate shipping costs into the final total.
9. At what age should I wean my rats?
Rats can be weaned between 3.5 and 5 weeks of age. They need to be eating and drinking independently and be of good body weight for size before they should be weaned. Rats can become sexually mature as early as 5 to 6 weeks of age so make sure your feeders are separated according to sex by that age.
10. What kinds of enclosures are good for mice colonies?
You need to have good ventilation in the cage. Tanks are okay, but need to be cleaned often. More open enclosures would be preferable. There are even lab style cages available as well.
