How very true this is!
My first year breeding, I had one clutch. So feeding and caring for 6 babies was no big deal. This past season I had 4 females going. One had 12 eggs. I ended up with 25 babies from just 4 females, and even with my own breeding mice, I still scrambled to keep them all fed. And here is another thing: Babies mess. A LOT. Sometimes it felt like I was changing baby tubs 3 and 4 times a day while they were on paper towels.
Now this year, I have the potential to have 9 females produce. I am not entirely sure I can deal with that many babies. And my husband does not seem to comprehend my reluctance to pair that many. He seems to think it will be no big deal, and it means more money. Time will tell I suppose.
Bottom line is, think carefully about how you will handle babies BEFORE you start pairing every female you can get your hands on.
Gale
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