I've been breeding rats & mice in my basement for about 3 years now. I currently have 5 Cay Caulker Boas, mostly semi-adults. The smallest is the male, at around 1000 grams. I also have & adult Balll Pythons, the smallest again is a male, weighing in at around 900 grams. My snakes eat mostly all rats. The only reason I keep the mice colony being is in case I get a clutch of eggs (I have 4 right now in the incubator). It is a lot of work, but if I didn't breed my own feeders it would sot me a fortune! As far as breeding goes, it's a piece of cake! All you need is a glass tank with a screen top, food, and a water bottle. You don't need that many mice to start. I also use a nursing tank, for the pregnant females. If left in the colony, the babies can get eaten. A male and 3-4 females will work. It is a lot or work, but You'll never have to run to the petstore again! I buy the substrate in LARGE paper bags. I use Mazuri Rodent Pro. A 50 lb bag is $28. I didn't realize you can use rabbit food at half the price. That would save me a lot. Your biggest problem will be getting rid of the excess mice!