How can you raise mice? - briefly
Provide a clean cage, fresh water, a balanced rodent diet, and maintain a temperature of 20‑26 °C with a 12‑hour light cycle. Regular health checks and enrichment objects reduce stress and promote breeding success.
How can you raise mice? - in detail
Raising mice successfully involves careful planning of environment, nutrition, health monitoring, and breeding management.
A suitable cage should provide at least 0.2 sq ft of floor space per animal, solid flooring, and adequate ventilation. Use bedding such as aspen shavings or paper pulp; avoid pine or cedar, which release harmful oils. Install a nesting box and a chewable enrichment item to promote natural behavior.
Nutrition must meet the high metabolic demand of rodents. Provide a commercially formulated mouse chow that supplies balanced protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals. Supplement with fresh water in a bottle equipped with a sipper tube; replace the water daily to prevent contamination. Small treats—such as bits of fruit or boiled egg—can be offered sparingly for enrichment.
Health management includes regular observation for signs of illness (e.g., ruffled fur, lethargy, respiratory distress). Quarantine new arrivals for at least two weeks before integrating them with the existing colony. Maintain a cleaning schedule: spot‑clean daily, replace bedding weekly, and disinfect cages and accessories monthly with a mild, non‑toxic solution.
Breeding protocols require identification of sexually mature males and females (typically 6–8 weeks old). Pair one male with one or two females in a separate breeding cage. Provide a larger nesting area and additional nesting material. After a gestation period of 19–21 days, monitor the dam but avoid handling the newborns unless necessary. Wean pups at 21 days, separating them by sex to prevent early breeding.
Key considerations:
- Space allocation – minimum floor area per mouse, vertical space for climbing.
- Environmental control – temperature 20–24 °C, humidity 40–60 %, 12‑hour light/dark cycle.
- Dietary regimen – complete chow, fresh water, limited treats.
- Health vigilance – daily checks, quarantine, routine cleaning.
- Breeding strategy – age selection, pairing ratio, weaning schedule.
Adhering to these guidelines ensures a stable, healthy mouse colony suitable for research, education, or hobbyist purposes.