How can mice be bred at home? - briefly
Use a well‑ventilated cage equipped with appropriate bedding, continuous access to food and water, and a stable temperature of 20‑24 °C, housing a single male and female together. After detecting pregnancy, provide nesting material, separate the male, and monitor the female until the litter is born.
How can mice be bred at home? - in detail
Breeding mice in a domestic environment requires a controlled cage, appropriate nutrition, and systematic record‑keeping.
A suitable enclosure must provide solid flooring, ventilation, and secure lids. Minimum dimensions for a breeding pair are 30 × 20 × 20 cm; larger space is advisable for litters. Use a substrate such as aspen shavings or paper bedding that absorbs moisture and minimizes dust. Install a nesting material box with shredded paper or cotton to encourage nest building.
Select healthy, unrelated adults of the desired strain. Verify fertility by confirming regular estrus cycles in females and a clear sperm count in males. Pair one male with one or two females; excessive crowding reduces breeding efficiency. Observe mating behavior for a 30‑minute period; successful copulation is indicated by a “plug” in the female’s vent.
Maintain a diet high in protein (18‑20 %); commercial rodent chow meets this requirement. Supplement with fresh vegetables and occasional boiled egg for lactating females. Provide constant access to clean water via a sipper bottle.
Gestation lasts 19‑21 days. Monitor weight gain; a 2 g increase per day signals pregnancy progression. As parturition approaches, add extra nesting material. After birth, keep the dam undisturbed for the first 72 hours. Begin supplemental feeding for the mother after this period.
Wean pups at 21 days. Separate by sex to prevent premature breeding. Relocate each group to individual cages with the same bedding and diet standards. Record birth dates, litter size, and any health issues in a logbook; this data supports future breeding decisions.
Health management includes weekly cage cleaning, monthly parasite checks, and vaccination where applicable. Quarantine new arrivals for at least two weeks before introducing them to the breeding colony to avoid disease transmission.
By adhering to these protocols, a stable and productive mouse breeding program can be maintained within a home setting.