Mice Breeding - Males

[Jay_Bunny]

My 3 female mice are big enough for breeding and I will be getting a male probably tomorrow. Right now the 3 females live in a 10g tank. Mostly I was wondering about the male. Should I leave him in full time so that the mice have back to back litters, or should I remove him and cycle him through? I plan on keeping some of the offspring as future breeders and getting more males, but I was just wondering what works best for everyone?

[Clear]

I keep my males in with my females, not a single problem yet! (2 litters so far)

[JenH]

It always depends on the individual animals. My breeder male is a cute black silkie that throws a ton of brindles! He has been real good with the babies.

The only problem I have had so far was when 2 girls have litters a couple weeks apart. They put all the babies in one pile to nurse by committee. The pinks are so small, they get crowded out - so I seperated the moms. I put the girl with the older pups in a new tub.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

It's really up to you, you need to experiment and see what works for you.

I have tried harem and failed however I am very successful housing the females together and rotating the male.

So try and do what works for you but remember you need to quarantine the male when it arrives do not place him with your females right away.

[Jay_Bunny]

I will, but how long should QT be?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I quarantine mine for 30 days.

[Clear]

I do all my animals 30 days also. I also weigh them once a week to see if they are gaining weight etc...

[gothkenny]

I say wait a month or two from birth for the female. I wouldn't want to over-work her.