How do you raise feeder mice? - briefly
Keep a small colony in a secure, ventilated cage with bedding, feeding a high‑protein rodent diet and fresh water daily. Pair breeding adults and monitor litters to maintain a steady supply of healthy feeder mice.
How do you raise feeder mice? - in detail
Raising feeder mice requires a systematic approach that covers breeding stock selection, housing design, nutrition, health monitoring, and record‑keeping.
Begin with a healthy breeding pair. Choose animals from a reputable source, free of hereditary defects, and at least 8 weeks old. Verify that the male and female have compatible temperaments to reduce stress and aggression.
Construct cages that provide adequate space, ventilation, and security. Minimum floor area per mouse should be 0.2 ft²; a breeding pair plus offspring benefits from a 0.5 ft² enclosure. Use solid‑bottom cages with deep bedding (e.g., aspen shavings) to absorb waste and prevent burrowing escapes. Install a nest box for warmth and a chew‑resistant water bottle.
Provide a balanced diet formulated for rodents. Offer a commercial mouse pelleted feed supplemented with occasional fresh vegetables (e.g., carrots, broccoli) and a protein source such as boiled egg or mealworms. Replace food and water daily to maintain hygiene.
Implement a health regimen. Conduct weekly visual inspections for signs of illness—nasal discharge, lethargy, abnormal fur. Isolate any sick mouse in a quarantine cage and consult a veterinarian experienced with small mammals. Perform monthly fecal examinations to detect parasites.
Manage the breeding cycle. Females reach estrus every 4–5 days; introduce the male for a 24‑hour period to induce mating. After a 19‑day gestation, provide additional nesting material and reduce cage disturbance. At birth, keep the litter with the dam for 21 days, then wean pups onto solid food. Separate males from females at 6 weeks to prevent unintended litters.
Maintain detailed records. Log each breeding pair, dates of mating, litter size, weaning dates, and any health interventions. Use this data to identify prolific lines and adjust breeding strategies.
Sanitize the environment. Perform a full cage clean every two weeks, replacing bedding and disinfecting surfaces with a rodent‑safe sanitizer. Employ an air filtration system if multiple cages share a room to reduce aerosolized pathogens.
Finally, adhere to ethical standards. Ensure all mice receive humane treatment, provide enrichment such as tunnels and chew toys, and follow local regulations regarding the use of feeder animals.