general rat/mice breeding ?

[dmaricle]

ok we have been breeding rats and mice for a while now and we are finally able to hold some back to put them into breeding. ok so my question is what is the proper weight to put them in with the breeding males.

[ThyTempest]

female rats should be at least 250 grams before breeding, preferably upwards of 300

I dunno about mice...probably like 18-20.

[Clear]

I dont have a scale yet, about how big is that?

[littleindiangirl]

I dont have a scale yet, about how big is that?

It's a tough picture since the animal is curved a bit and not in a very natural position, so she looks flatter and shorter than she really is.

http://www.rodentpro.com/popup_size....0%20-%20374.00

[dmaricle]

i figured the rats needed to be around 250g but im unsure about the mice i have some rats that are between 100-150 that im raising and when they hit like 265gs im putting them in with a male. also how old are yalls mice and rats when yall ween them. i have just been waiting till i see them eating food and drinking water.

[dmaricle]

so when to wean

[truthsdeceit]

With mice I always wait till they're twelve weeks or older to breed. I don't weigh them but any that look thin don't get bred.

Weaning occurs at 3-4weeks of age. I tend to wean at 3 weeks because I like my breeders and I can tell when mom needs a break. If moms looking super healthy still I'll leave them together a little longer cause the longer with mom the faster they get big it seems.

Make sure you separate at 4weeks or you'll get incest.

[dmaricle]

i have some mice now that are three weeks old still with the mom there is three litters and three moms in that tub and they seem to take turns nursing.