How do you keep feeder mice? - briefly
Provide a clean, well‑ventilated cage with soft bedding, a balanced diet of mouse chow and occasional fresh vegetables, and regular health checks; maintain a temperature of 68‑75 °F and a 12‑hour light cycle. Change bedding weekly, clean food dishes daily, and replace any sick or injured animals promptly.
How do you keep feeder mice? - in detail
Maintaining a colony of feeder rodents requires careful planning of housing, nutrition, health surveillance, and record‑keeping. Choose cages that provide at least 0.5 sq ft per animal, with solid floors, secure lids, and easy access for cleaning. Wire mesh should be fine enough to prevent escape but allow airflow; stainless steel or plastic construction simplifies disinfection.
Provide bedding that absorbs moisture, controls odor, and is non‑toxic. Aspen shavings, paper pulp, or corncob pellets meet these criteria. Replace bedding weekly, or more often if humidity rises, to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
Feed a balanced diet formulated for small mammals. Commercial pellet mixes supplemented with fresh vegetables (e.g., carrots, broccoli) and occasional protein sources (hard‑boiled egg, mealworms) support growth and reproductive performance. Ensure constant access to clean water via sipper tubes or bottled dispensers; check for leaks daily.
Implement a breeding schedule that prevents overpopulation. Pair one male with two to three females, monitor litters, and separate juveniles at weaning (approximately three weeks). Record dates of births, weaning, and any health events in a simple ledger or spreadsheet.
Health management includes:
- Weekly visual inspections for signs of illness (scruffy fur, nasal discharge, lethargy).
- Monthly weight checks to confirm appropriate growth curves.
- Quarterly fecal examinations for parasites; treat with approved dewormers when necessary.
- Immediate isolation of any animal displaying symptoms, followed by veterinary consultation.
Sanitation protocols consist of:
- Removing soiled bedding and waste daily.
- Disinfecting cages with a diluted bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite) once per week, followed by thorough rinsing.
- Cleaning food and water containers with hot, soapy water after each refill.
Maintain environmental conditions within a stable range: temperature between 65–75 °F (18–24 °C), relative humidity 40–60 %, and a light cycle of 12 hours on, 12 hours off. Use thermostats and timers to automate regulation.
Comply with local regulations governing the use of feeder animals. Obtain any required permits, and ensure that all handling practices meet ethical standards for humane treatment.
Regularly review the colony’s performance metrics—reproductive rate, mortality, and growth data—to adjust feeding, breeding, or sanitation practices promptly. Consistent documentation and proactive management sustain a healthy, reliable supply of feeder rodents for their intended purpose.