So here's a dilemma......

[dprince]

.......so I've gotten my first breeding colony of mice. Yay!! I have a 1.3 in a large lab cage. Now.........the quandry..........at least one of the females I got was already pregnant. I have no idea if the male that I got is the daddy or not (the person I bought them from had them all together.)

If I knew he was the daddy, I would feel comfortable leaving him in the tub. But since I'm not sure? Is it a good idea to leave him in, or take him out? Should I instead take her out? I would like to reduce the possibility of them being eaten as much as possible. But, I don't want any fighting upon re-introduction...........

Drat. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[snakecharmer3638]

I would probably take her out to be safe.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Do what you feel comfortable with, personally I would take the male out, this is what I do with my colony move the male when the females are pregnant and I never had any issues upon re-introduction.

Some people are successful with harem, some people are successful with rotating the males do what work and what you feel comfortable with.

The only way you will know what work best for YOU is by experimenting.

[ANCPYTHONS]

I have a pretty nice colony of mice and my opinion would be that when the female is ready to give birth I would take out the male so he wont stress the female out because I had males in the past that would eat the babies. And also as far as reintroducing the male shouldnt be a problem after the babies
are weaned that you could put the female in his cage.

The only way you will know what work best for YOU is by experimenting.[/QUOTE] <----- I agree 100%

[ANCPYTHONS]

I tried calling you but I didnt leave an answer.

[dprince]

I tried calling you but I didnt leave an answer.

Me? Or someone else?

[ANCPYTHONS]

You

[dprince]

Try again - my phone's right here (530)320-9185.

[Bettacreek]

I personally separate the females that are going to give birth. Makes life easier here, and we don't have any issues with litter killers.

[Wh00h0069]

I do not breed mice, but I do breed rats. I separate all of my females once they become pregnant. I do not have issues with young being eaten since I started this.

Hope this helps.