How to breed mice at home? - briefly
Provide a clean, escape‑proof cage with adequate bedding, food, water, and ventilation; place a healthy adult male and female together, ensuring the female is in estrus, and let them mate. After birth, separate the pups from the adults to prevent overbreeding and maintain proper nutrition.
How to breed mice at home? - in detail
Breeding mice in a domestic setting requires careful planning, proper equipment, and strict adherence to animal‑care standards.
First, verify local regulations. Many jurisdictions require permits for keeping rodents for breeding purposes, and some prohibit it altogether. Obtain any necessary licenses before acquiring stock.
Select a suitable strain. Choose a genetically defined line that matches your research or hobby goals. Purchase healthy, proven breeders from a reputable supplier; request health certificates confirming freedom from common pathogens such as Mycoplasma pulmonis and Sendai virus.
Prepare the enclosure. Use a solid‑bottom cage with a secure lid, providing at least 300 cm² of floor space per adult mouse. Install a nesting material (e.g., shredded paper) and a sheltered area for the female to build a nest. Maintain temperature between 20‑24 °C and relative humidity of 45‑55 %. Provide a ventilation system that prevents drafts while ensuring fresh air exchange.
Implement a feeding regimen. Offer a balanced rodent diet formulated for breeding stock, supplemented with fresh water ad libitum. During gestation and lactation, increase caloric intake by 10‑20 % and provide high‑protein treats such as boiled egg whites or soy paste.
Manage the breeding cycle. Pair one male with one or two females for a limited period (typically 5‑7 days) to avoid over‑mating. Observe for successful copulation, indicated by a copulatory plug. After confirming mating, separate the male to reduce stress on the pregnant female.
Monitor gestation. The gestation period averages 19–21 days. Check the nest daily for signs of distress, abnormal behavior, or excessive weight loss. Provide additional nesting material if the female shows increased nesting activity.
Handle parturition. Most litters are born without complications, but be prepared to intervene if a pup is not breathing or the mother rejects offspring. Keep the cage environment quiet and dimly lit to minimize disturbances.
Wean the young. Begin weaning at post‑natal day 21. Transfer pups to a separate weaning cage, maintaining the same environmental conditions. Gradually introduce solid food while continuing to provide the standard diet.
Maintain health records. Document dates of pairing, birth, weaning, and any health issues. Conduct regular health checks, including weight measurement and visual inspection for lesions, alopecia, or respiratory symptoms. Schedule veterinary examinations at least twice per year.
Control population. Implement a culling strategy to prevent overcrowding. Retire older or less productive breeders according to a predetermined age limit (commonly 12–18 months). Dispose of surplus animals in accordance with humane euthanasia protocols and local disposal regulations.
Sanitize the environment. Perform a thorough cleaning of cages, bedding, and accessories weekly. Use a mild disinfectant compatible with rodents, followed by a rinse to remove residues. Replace bedding material regularly to reduce ammonia buildup.
By following these procedures, a home‑based mouse breeding program can achieve consistent litter production, maintain animal welfare, and comply with legal and ethical standards.