Breeding Feeder Mice?

Question

So I am starting my own feeder mice, and I would like to know a few things before I start.
1. How long should I keep the male and female together to be sure that the female was inpregnated? I was thinking three days.
2. How long will the female be pregnant for? A week, two weeks?
3. How many containers should I have. I am estimating three, or four. One for the male after mating, one for the female and babies, and two for seperating the male and female mice when ready.

Answer 1

I'm not pro-live feeding, but here are the answers:

1) Does go into 'heat' every four to five days, some breeders leave them together for a week or two.

2) 19-24 days, being average.20-21.

3) You'll need one for the breeding buck, one for the breeding doe w/litter and a container for each buck pup...bucks fight (eventually...and often to the death). That includes brothers, which many have experienced unfortunately. The young does can be housed with mom...providing space allows.

PS Sexes must be separated at four weeks of age (weaning age), or you'll be in a big mess...lots and lots of inbred mice. Also, the "Fun Mouse" website is a site for pet owners and show breeders...not feeder breeders. Great people and information, but it's not for feeder discussion.

Answer 2

A female goes into heat every 4 days so wait about 4 or 5
After giving birth she will go back into heat 12 to 28 hours later
The female remains pregnant from 19 to 24 days so maybe remove the male about 15 days.
And the container idea is good... I am not sure how long it will take them to be weaned but since they are feeder mice I am guessing that weening them wont be nessicary. Unless you feed adult mice

Answer 3

i breed feeder mice for the first time is didnt work out to well i ended up losing half of the litter but heres a site to go to www.thefunmouse.com

Answer 4

You sound inexperienced. I think before you start, you should do some research first. breeding animals can be very expensive and has unseen costs to it.