Show me pics of your Mouse colonies

[legionxxii]

What do you guys think is cheaper to breed your own mice of buy them in bulk frozen?

[truthsdeceit]

What do you guys think is cheaper to breed your own mice of buy them in bulk frozen?

Frozen is cheaper but only if you can get a good deal on shipping. Breeding takes up time.

Breeding I come out even at about 15 dollars a month. I was spending about the same amount when I was ordering frozen, shipping kills my last order cost me near 100 dollars and was gonna last me maybe 6 months. Except now I spend a lot of time on my breeding colony. I don't mind, I enjoy having my rodents around. I don't mind cleaning often and checking food and water constantly. I also sell some of my extras on craigslist which helps off set the costs, a little.

Also when my snakes are all eating adult mice I know I'll be saving money. Prices and shipping on fuzzies is way cheaper than ordering the same amount of adults.

It comes down to being willing to sacrifice the time and being able to buy supplies (bedding and food) in bulk. If you can then breeding is worth it.

edit: this is not counting start up costs, getting all the tubs, waterbottles, food hopper, wheels, and chew toys cost a lot, and I mean a lot, when you start ( i spent at least 100 on just setting up my mice). So be sure you want to do it. Start small just to supplement your frozen supply then when you know you'll enjoy doing it you can spend money to go bigger.

[Brandon Osborne]

I think making a mesh lid, which is all your doing, sounds like a lot more work and has no guarantees for those of us that aren't handy.
I'll stick with my lids that snap on and in my case have locks on them.

The only reason I can see to eliminate the lids is if you're building an actual rack. Otherwise why dispose of something made to fit the tubs?

Ok. It literally takes about 5 minutes. If you are not handy with power tools, have your local hardware store make the cuts for you. The lids can be made to fit snug. I have never had an escapee.

I've done the tub lid thing too and I have to say, it sucked...for me. I even have a better way to make your holes, but you probably wouldn't like that either. No harmful burnt plastic smell and even quicker to do.

As far as racks, some people don't want to breed that many. I personally prefer racks. Clean, feed, and water once a week.

Just thought I'd share.

[truthsdeceit]

Ok. It literally takes about 5 minutes. If you are not handy with power tools, have your local hardware store make the cuts for you. The lids can be made to fit snug. I have never had an escapee.

I've done the tub lid thing too and I have to say, it sucked...for me. I even have a better way to make your holes, but you probably wouldn't like that either. No harmful burnt plastic smell and even quicker to do.

As far as racks, some people don't want to breed that many. I personally prefer racks. Clean, feed, and water once a week.

Just thought I'd share.

Your way is probably just as easy and has the added plus of eliminating the need for complicated food hoppers. I just can't see throwing away good lids then spending money on building new ones. The soldering iron works. *shrugs*

I totally agree about racks!! they're a great idea and I'm gonna build be one when I have the time to do it and the space to do it in, I live in a tiny apartment. Then I will be disposing of my lids. yay.

Sorry I came off defensive earlier, it's been a long day.

What's your hole making technique?

[dmaricle]

im currious about a fast hole method lol

[Brandon Osborne]

im currious about a fast hole method lol

One word.....Unibit.


Fast, easy, no cracking, and no smell.

[truthsdeceit]

One word.....Unibit.


Fast, easy, no cracking, and no smell.

I think I'll stick with the soldering iron. I'm afraid I'd end up with holes too big or some other disaster.

[snakelady]

Here's my set up. I've got two breeder colonies and one grow up tank. My ball eats them before they get old enough to mate. I'll probably have to add another grow up tub later.




Made the tub from designs on here. Thanks folks! so much easier to clean than the tanks.

[dmaricle]

does the uni bit leave little spurrs like using a drill bit?

[Brandon Osborne]

does the uni bit leave little spurrs like using a drill bit?

Absolutely not. It makes a very clean cut hole. Just be sure to set your drill to low speed.