I don't mess with mice due to the increased smell. Might just be me, but mice stink way worse, even when the bedding is changed more often. This was my second year working with hatchlings, and all were started with rat fuzzies. I also breed asf's, and they have even less smell than the rats, and they cover any need I get for smaller prey. Also work well for picky BPs as a way to jumpstart feeding.