How do you raise mice?

Emily-Fisher · 04-13-03, 07:59 AM

Next week, I am going to start breeding mice as food for my cornsnake. But first, I have a quick question. I read that the babies need heat and so should I put a heatpadunder the tank with some fabric on top and then the substrate tto make the tank a bit warmer? I already have the heat mat since I have some extras. Thanks in advance!

unknownclown · 04-13-03, 09:13 AM

That probably depends on where youre planning on keeping them. If they are going to be in your house and you keep your place at a decent temp, I think they would be just fine without a heating pad. The mother and father should provide enough heat for them.
If they are in a garage, basement or some where outside I'd use a heating mat though.

Emily-Fisher · 04-13-03, 10:36 AM

thanks! they are going to be kept in the basement so I guess I will heatthem up

Burmies · 04-13-03, 11:23 AM

I keep by bins in the laundaryroom and there is never any heat in there. The parents keep their young warm. There is no need for a heat pad.

Burmies

vanderkm · 04-13-03, 01:22 PM

Mice breed better at cooler temperatures, so there is no need for additional heating and it would actually likley drop your production. I wouldn't do it.

Mary v.

Emily-Fisher · 04-13-03, 02:17 PM

thanks a bunch vander and burmies!

Lisa · 04-13-03, 05:41 PM

We have our mice and rats unheated, the temps in the apt are 70+ and we're getting not bad litters, ~8 from the rats and ~12 from the mice.

Emily-Fisher · 04-13-03, 06:54 PM

Thanks Lisa

i will probably buy the mice tomorrow and i will keep all of your information in mind.

thanks!

Linds · 04-14-03, 07:56 AM

I agree with Mary and Burmies, heat pads are not necessary. I breed my mice in my basement as well, the temps typically range from 55-68 degrees, and do not provide any additional heat source.

marisa · 04-14-03, 08:53 AM

I agree as well. If anything, heat will ruin what you are trying to do. Mice are the opposite o your snake, they like it cold. The babies themselves would probably over heat if you put them on a heating pad. They keep VERY warm all on their own!

Marisa

Emily-Fisher · 04-14-03, 09:16 AM

Yay! Thanks guys

You really helped me a lot :P I am going downtown (about 45 minutes from here) to the only petstore with female mice left :S Thanks again!

unknownclown · 04-15-03, 05:21 PM

Woops. I guess I shoulda kept quiet

thanks for correcting me, I guess I have no conception on how cold it gets in Canada, I figured it would be too cold.
Sorry Emily o>