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Post by fuzzymom on Nov 8, 2008 1:10:24 GMT -5
A) I did not recommend keeping the male with the female when we were discussing rats. When I said to keep the male in with the female, we were discussing mice, and this is due to the fact the female mice will kill newly introduced males.
B) I know tanks are bad, but I keep mine very clean. I have plans to use a rack system. (I already have one built). The rack system provides good ventilation and the food does not get soiled. I plan on having more built so I can stop using tanks. For now, this is what I have and what I will use.
If you have any other concerns or you think I am misinforming someone, please let me know. Its not about stepping on toes, its about being informed with the right information.
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Post by bullet on Nov 8, 2008 13:27:41 GMT -5
The male mouse can be with the females during breeding but it is NOT a good idea to have them with them when babies are in the cage with momma! I have seen and heard of plenty of mice and rats alike dying because of this. My experiences with death in breeding was with a rat, yes but it can happen with mice as well. When introducing mommas to a new male you put a touch of viniger or vanilla on everyones noses so they all smell the same. This saves from any unwanted fights! I have NEVER had a female kill a new male!
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Post by animalsgetrevenge on Nov 8, 2008 17:13:48 GMT -5
Well great guys! Now I have even more question!!! Haha.
I totally understand that you both have your own techniques on breeding along with different experiences with breeding and keeping rodents.
At this point I am planning on breeding mice. I want a cage that will have enough ventilation to not make then sick, but the cage also needs to be VERY safe to prevent escape because I live in an apartment!
Would either of you recommend a glass aquarium for mice? Is a mesh lid (for a reptile) and okay top? How many gallons would you recommend for 3-4 females and a VISITING male? How many gallons would you recommend for a single male?
I plan on using baked soil like another member on this forum recommended, tubes, tunnels, toys, a natural diet, climbing sticks, chews, etc... any other recommendations to keep them happy?
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Post by fuzzymom on Nov 9, 2008 16:13:10 GMT -5
Tanks are not recommended for rodents but I used them just fine for now (I plan on moving to rack systems). Ventilation isn't that great but if you keep the tanks cleaned then there should not be too much of a problem. For a group of up to 4 females and a visiting male, I would use no less than 10g, and that's making it a bit crowded once babies arrive. If you plan on raising the mice up to adult size, then a 20 gallon long tank would be better. A single male can live in a 5-10g tank with no problems. Mice tend to smell a bit more than rats, and it was recommended to me to add a drop or two of vanilla to their water bottles to help make their urine smell less. As for additional cage items. Things to chew on! I get them chew sticks and keep a supply of toilet paper rolls for them to use. I give each cage a new roll each time they get a cage clean. They climb on them, chew them, and use them as a tunnel and nest making material. They love cardboard! You can easily make cheap houses and hiding places out of butter tubs, yogurt containers, toilet paper rolls, ect.  |
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Post by harrisi on Nov 11, 2008 11:09:12 GMT -5
Rats shouldn't be kept in tanks, or even solid-sided cages for that matter, but mice will do ok in them. If you can I would get 8-10" high sterilite tubs and use a mesh lid, means more ventilation over the whole thing. And also would agree with the above post, mice are amazing at recycling old tubs and containers! I will be using chocolate drink tubs for hidey houses - they are easy to clean and light but no see-through.
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