How do you breed feeder mice? - briefly
Maintain a colony of healthy, unrelated breeding pairs, provide a high‑calorie diet and nesting material, and separate litters at three weeks for weaning to generate a steady supply of feeder mice.
How do you breed feeder mice? - in detail
Breeding feeder rodents requires a controlled environment, careful selection of breeding stock, and systematic management of nutrition, lighting, and health.
A suitable cage should provide at least 0.5 ft² per animal, include a solid floor, nesting material, and a secure lid to prevent escapes. Use a clean, well‑ventilated room maintained at 68–75 °F (20–24 °C) with relative humidity of 40–60 %. Install a light schedule that delivers 14 hours of illumination followed by 10 hours of darkness to stimulate reproductive cycles.
Select healthy, unrelated adults aged 8–12 weeks. Pair one male with one or two females; avoid overcrowding to reduce stress. Monitor mating by checking for the presence of a copulatory plug or by observing increased activity in the female. Record the date of pairing to calculate gestation, which averages 19–21 days.
Provide a diet rich in protein and calories. Offer a commercial rodent breeder mash supplemented with occasional fresh vegetables and a source of water that is changed daily. During gestation and lactation increase the protein content to 20–22 % to support fetal growth and milk production.
After birth, allow the dam to care for the pups for 21 days. Check the litter daily for signs of illness, such as lack of weight gain or abnormal behavior. At 21 days, separate the young from the mother, identify each by ear marking or subcutaneous dye, and place them in individual or small group cages with the same nutritional regimen.
Maintain detailed records for each breeding pair, including dates of pairing, birth, weaning, and any health incidents. Rotate breeding pairs periodically to prevent inbreeding and to maintain genetic diversity. Implement a strict sanitation protocol: clean cages weekly, replace bedding, and disinfect equipment with a rodent‑safe solution.
Regular health checks by a veterinarian experienced with small mammals are essential. Vaccinations are generally unnecessary for feeder strains, but parasite control and prompt treatment of respiratory or gastrointestinal issues are critical to preserve a reliable supply.
By adhering to these practices—appropriate housing, precise lighting, balanced nutrition, vigilant monitoring, and rigorous record‑keeping—breeders can produce a consistent, healthy population of feeder mice for reptile or bird nutrition programs.