I was trying to put together an upkeep cost list to see what it would cost me to run a small breeding colony of 9 females and 3 males. So naturally I have no experience with this and have a few questions.

Bedding:

What kind of bedding is best to keep down smell and to keep the mice healthy and happy? I was thinking of using newspaper since I can get it for free but if that is not good for them, I can switch to something else. Bedding that is easily aquired are Carefresh and Aspen.

Food:

What kind of lab blocks are best? I will be looking over the Rodent mix in the sticky above. Should both the mix and the lab blocks be offered? What else should be offered to promote a good healthy colony? I will be buying from Petsmart so the only lab block I can find is Kaytee Forti-Diet. Is this ok for them? And how long will 5lbs last 11 mice?

Caging:

I will probably be using tubs, but I've heard that mice like to chew through the plastic. Any way of preventing this? I know to cut out a section of the lid and attach hardware cloth to the underside via hotglue. Then there is the water bottle. I've heard to solder (sp) a hole for the sipper piece and attach a piece of hardware cloth around that so the mice don't chew that hole. Any thing else? What about providing things for them to chew on like chew sticks and such?

Water:

I plan on using tap water. Should I de-chlorinate it? I have also heard that adding vanilla helps with the smell. If so, how much vanilla per gallon as I will probably have a gallon jug sitting by just for the mice?

Additional Costs:

Should toys, nesting boxes, tubes, feeding dishes, additional snacks be provided? If so, what? Anything else I am forgetting?