Breeding feeder mice

[Sputnik]

Does anyone here breed their own mice for feeding? How convenient is it?
When I only had a couple of corns, it wasn't really worth considering, but with all these wonderful new additions to the family, I might change my mind.

[adamanteus]

I know Inge (CrazyHedgehog) does, and pretty successfully too. I used to, be these days I just wouldn't have the time!

[CrazyHedgehog]

I Do...
I am lucky enough to have a really good handyman as a partner..I cleared the shed, and he converted it for me into a mouse house, fully insulated, even the door, heated in winter and cooled in summer...we just used big plastic tubs, put holes in the lids and one for a water bottle....



The mice are just too damn cute though...

You can see from the last picture that we added a lot of holes, it stops condensation build up and keeps them healthier.

Below...all the mice have a house and at least one thing to play with

[GarterGuy]

Very nice setup Inge!

Roy

[krystalirelan@southslope.]

we did for a wile but then, after a year of success the momsstarted to eat the babies. i don't know why. we did not change anything. the pet store owner said we needed to give them more protien but that did not work either. so i gave it up. if you buy them frozen the house smells better.

[CrazyHedgehog]

we did for a wile but then, after a year of success the momsstarted to eat the babies. i don't know why.

Mice only breed well for about 10 months, the first and last litters can often be eaten, as the first one, they are scared and not sure what to do/ and then the last, they just have not got the energy to feed them. To get round this have an older mom mouse in with the first litters, she seems to calm them and help the new mother. I always note the dates, and use the mice for feeding by the time they are 10 months old.

if you buy them frozen the house smells better.

If you have a cool partner who builds you things you can have them in the shed so the house does not smell.!!...and yes they are VERY smelly, we clean each tank at least twice a week and they still smell a bit!!

We consulted with the RSPCA as to how to kill them humanely etc and have just followed their guidelines. Haven't bought mice in ages!!

[Sputnik]

What a fantastic setup! Not sure if I'm quite ready for something as impressive as that.
How do you humanely kill the mice?

Is there a good frozen rodent supplier in the UK? My petshop prices are getting a bit expensive.

[chloe]

I used to use frozen direct, they are quite reasonable, but now i breed my own too.

http://www.frozendirect.com

[Sputnik]

Just spotted this site: Frozen Mice and Reptile Food at Ice Mice

Well, will have to think about it. Thanks for all your advice.

[adamanteus]

Just had a look at the Ice Mice site....looks good, might just give them a try.