Feed & heating racks for mice

[alphaomegakennel]

My name is Jennifer and I'm new to the forum. I decided to start breeding mice again after almost a one year break. This will be my first time breeding mice in a rack however.

Questions are: What do you use to keep the mice warm? They will be located outside in a shed. Luckily, I live in NE Florida so it doesn't get extremely cold. Thought about using reptile heating lamps or strips. I've tried just heating with a room heater and it doesn't work the best.

Also, what feed do you use? I used Mazuri 16% protein before and also an comparable off-brand. My current options are: FMR Rodent Pellets 25% protein and 6.5% fat or Mazuri Lab Blocks 6F, 9F, or 11F. I'll be feeding approx. 40 breeders plus litters and selling them to reptile owners (I don't own any myself).

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[SatanicIntention]

For food, I would suggest using Mazuri 9F(16% protein, 9% fat). The KMR is just too high in protein. You can always supplement with some other grains/seed mixes as it gives them something to do. I use the 9F with good results.

As far as heating, you might consider using a 1500w oil-filled heater for the room, and getting it to 65-68. I kept my mice in the garage during winter, on top of the freezer, and they did just fine with a few towels to insulate the outsides of the tanks. It got down in the 30s. They can tolerate cold fairly well, but they don't tolerate heat. Anything over 70-75 and they stop breeding. You can always try some 3" flexwatt under part of the cages so they have a place to burrow down and get warm.

Hope that answered your questions