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Breeder mice

I would think a pet store isn't that bad of a source, but I think I might purchase the male from a different store to avoid inbreeding. However, a breeder is probably the best place if you can find someone in your area that breeds mice. If you can find out where to purchase Swiss Websters though, I would try for those. You might wanna ask Wade if he knows where you can purchase them.
 
I don't know if this may be a good idea or not... But I have often considered buying "feeder mice" and breeding those? Would that work? I just figured that they could be cheaper than pet store mice (not sure how much a mouse runs for at the pet stores at the moment...) and since it's the same mice I'm generally feeding to my snakes anyway, breeding them wouldn't be anything "stupid". Thoughts, anyone?
 
EmJagsz said:
I don't know if this may be a good idea or not... But I have often considered buying "feeder mice" and breeding those? Would that work? I just figured that they could be cheaper than pet store mice (not sure how much a mouse runs for at the pet stores at the moment...) and since it's the same mice I'm generally feeding to my snakes anyway, breeding them wouldn't be anything "stupid". Thoughts, anyone?
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I also considered buying some of the ex breeder females from the pet store
I buy my mice from. I figure those females would be good healthy girls to get me started.
 
If you get old breeder mice, they maybe done having litters, or at least large litters. Between 6-9 months mice usually start having smalller litters. If you get younger mice you should be good.
 
I would look for younger breeding stock for a feeder colony. They will serve you longer and younger mice have larger litters. 1.4 or 1.5 ratio is a good, small feeder colony. I have 5 colonies of feeders for 19 snakes. Whether they are feeder mice or pets, they all taste the same to the snakes.
Good Luck!

Wayne
 
If you are able to buy retired breeders, you should be able to buy young mice also. my 4 colonies came from my F/T supplier.
 
Many people loose site of this but remember that pet stores buy their feeder mice from breeders. The feeder mice are the off spring of breeder mice and therefore carry the same genetic traits. If they are healthy there is nothing wrong with pet store mice.

Before you get too involved be aware that keeping mice takes more time and effort than keeping snakes. It takes me probably 10 times as much time to feed, clean, kill, and freeze mice as I spend on the snakes.

Another thought is that in addition to your breeding colony space you also need space to raise weaned mice to adult size. You should figure at least 2 to 3 weeks after the weanlings leave the colony before they reach 25 grams plus.

I think raising mice is a fun extension of keeping snakes. I’m all in favor of it. But go into it informed before you start.
 
wade said:
Many people loose site of this but remember that pet stores buy their feeder mice from breeders. The feeder mice are the off spring of breeder mice and therefore carry the same genetic traits. If they are healthy there is nothing wrong with pet store mice.

Before you get too involved be aware that keeping mice takes more time and effort than keeping snakes. It takes me probably 10 times as much time to feed, clean, kill, and freeze mice as I spend on the snakes.

Another thought is that in addition to your breeding colony space you also need space to raise weaned mice to adult size. You should figure at least 2 to 3 weeks after the weanlings leave the colony before they reach 25 grams plus.

I think raising mice is a fun extension of keeping snakes. I’m all in favor of it. But go into it informed before you start.
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Well Said!! My wife and I started breeding rodents of various types, long before the snakes. Actually, that is still her main hobby. Mine is the snakes. Well, actually she does the rodents, I'm a silent partner in that and we do the snakes. I think?

Yes, rodents are fun, but snakes are "funner"<~ (that is a terrible word) Let's try; "Better and More Fun!"

How bout; Just have fun!!
 
I agree Wade. But i do enjoy the mice. They aren't nearly as bad as what I first thought. I have four very productive colonies now and a lot of your advice has me going in the right direction.
 
wade said:
I think the proper term would be snakes are more better.
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Oh, I know!! I was writing that post and about part way through, I completely forgot what I was going to say. So I sat for bit, just staring at the screen with a total blank. I still don't remember!
 
I started my colonies (6 now) with mice from the local petshop. I also worked out a deal where I trade my weaned mice for food and bedding. Great way to get supplies to keep them going. I also dont have to CO2, bag, and freeze them. One side note - I got a few spotted and different colored ones so I can tell what is mine and what came from a commerical supplier. My philospy is if you are going to raise mice then they should be pretty mice...LOL
 
crousescorns said:
My philospy is if you are going to raise mice then they should be pretty mice...LOL
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Yes Yes Yes!! All of our colonies are from fancy mice. We have all different colors and patterns and so on. I don't think we have fed a single white lab mouse to any of our snakes. Most of our feeders are culled from the regular breeding program, plus we have 5 colonies that are just as feeders (still fancy mice)! White mice are boring!
 
I am about to start breeding myself, I can buy the adult mice for $2.50 each. that is from a pet store. They can be fun, just smelly. lol.
 
medusacoils said:
Yes Yes Yes!! All of our colonies are from fancy mice. We have all different colors and patterns and so on. I don't think we have fed a single white lab mouse to any of our snakes. Most of our feeders are culled from the regular breeding program, plus we have 5 colonies that are just as feeders (still fancy mice)! White mice are boring!
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Do the fancy mice taste better? :crazy01:
 
Joe T said:
Do the fancy mice taste better? :crazy01:
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I go try one and let you know!! :licklips:

We use all fancy mice, because my wife raises them for show and pet sale. So basically, all the undesirables face a quick, painless death and eventually turn into, um snake poop. :puke02: So I don't know! I don't think my snakes have ever tried a white mouse.

I think I'm afraid to feed them one, too. What if they like them better? Will I have to go and start a whole new batch of colonies, just to feed! :eatpointe

Wayne
 
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