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Post by bluedove on Mar 24, 2009 14:58:50 GMT -5
Apparently none of the local pet places sell anything smaller than adult mice... and those are nearly $3 a pop! So looks like I need to start thinking about what I need to get a small breeding colony going. I only have the one fert... but I will also be (hopefully) feeding whole prey to 3 cats. So what's a good set up to begin to build up enough to feed these animals? How many bucks and does, and how many bins?
I'll probably be using plastic bins to house them. We don't have a problem altering them for ventilation... but since I'll want to stack the bins, I need to know how deep they need to be to prevent them from reaching the ventilation holes and chewing at them. Although I will want them as shallow as I can get away with to save on space.
What method should I use to offer water? I don't want to make a hole in the side of the bin for a water dispenser, and I since I want to stack them, that eliminates using the lid as well. Is there a good, easy way to attach a water bottle to the interior of the cage?
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Post by harrisi on Mar 25, 2009 10:10:58 GMT -5
Personally, I dont like plastic tubs for mice. But that is JUST me. Most breeders use RUB's (Really Useful Boxes) and they work great, but replacing bins once they are "too-chewed" is not an option for me. I use Rody Hamster Cages by Savic and whilst they are a little expensive to start with, its a one time thing as they are almost chew-proof. But if you are set on using tubs then this should help: woodlandmousery.oxyhost.com/9l-rub.htm. You will need a minimum of 4 bins. 1 for breeding, 2 for growing on, 1 for the male whilst the mothers are birthing and resting (Assuming you will be resting them). I keep 1 male for up to 8 females. As far as how many you need - that depends on how many you use and what system you will be using!
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Post by bluedove on Mar 25, 2009 11:22:09 GMT -5
Really Useful Boxes, eh? You must be hailing from "across the pond"... I have altered a bin for our hamster... and she's a pretty chew-happy critter. She actually managed to put a hole in one of her OVO tubes. But the bin has been untouched so far... I think it's because the rounded smooth corners prevent her teeth from "gaining purchase". Those Rody cages do look neat! I don't think they're available in TX, though. I'll stop by the Wal-mart today and see what they have in clear, latchable bins. I think I like the idea of a "harem colony". It's less work for me... and well... I'm lazy! (Plus I'm 7mo pregnant with my 2nd human child in addition to our 4 fur-babies!) I'm just starting with one colony for now, 1 male to 3 females. I have not been able to locate a local breeder, so I will have to take my chances with pet-store stock. Though I will obtain males and females from different stores in different towns to ensure they aren't related. (How would I go about finding a breeder, anyway?) Since I have to go with pet-store mice, is there anything preventative maintenance I need to do... Quarantine them for a period? A way to tell if they have parasites and eliminate them? Preferably without a vet or a microscope... Also, I was hoping some of you could give me some tips on how to prevent inbreeding. As I said, I will do what I can to procure animals that aren't related, but how do I keep track of what litters come from whom? Do I simply get new males when I build a new colony and only use my own females to replace breeders? This seems like the least complicated way, but I'm not sure...
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Post by harrisi on Mar 25, 2009 11:35:42 GMT -5
I sure am. I thought you could get Really Useful Products over there though? TX rat/mouse breeders: www.altpet.net/rodents/TX.shtmlI only use females from my own stock and get a male from a different breeder
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Post by bluedove on Mar 25, 2009 21:03:20 GMT -5
I imagine they are still available for order, but I've never seen them stocked in a store. Sterilite or Rubbermaid products are the most popular here... I'll get something like 1984 on this page: www.sterilite.com/Category.html?Section=Storage&ProductCategory=35#Or possibly the 1884 or 1886 on this page: www.sterilite.com/Category.html?Section=Storage&ProductCategory=37#My question is: Is a box that is 6-7" tall deep enough? I suspect they may be able to get at the ventilation holes... in which case we'll need to make a window with hardware cloth... which is fine, although it will take a little time whereas drilling holes is pretty quick. It will be too shallow for a water bottle, so can I get away with water bowls? Thanks for the link to the breeding groups in TX... unfortunately, TX is very big and I'm 100+ miles from the nearest one on the list! Appreciate the effort, tho. Picked up two males today! Will be rooming them in my hamster's extra bin tonight... just have to cut off her access to it for the night. They'll get their own housing tomorrow. Is it better to separate them ASAP to prevent fighting, or will they be fine with no female to bicker over?
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Post by harrisi on Mar 26, 2009 3:26:39 GMT -5
They are fine until they bicker, Lol. My breeding males will sometimes be put together and they are fine until they are next "used" (1-2 weeks). Those bins look good and 6-7" deep is fine, whether it was deeper or not ventilation are just no good. For 1, mice can and will jump up to about 18" so are very likely to chew the ventilation holes no matter how high up they are and Ventilation holes most of the time dont give out enough ventilation. A square of mesh on the top of the tub and a rectangle on either side is best to keep the air flow. With a square of mesh on the top you can just lay the food and bottle on the top of the mesh.
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