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When to start a colony

T

tbtusk

hot jupiter herps
So I did some searches which turned up little info, so I'm going to ask.

I doubt I'm going to start a feeding colony anytime soon, but it's possable, so I have a few questions

1. How many snakes should one own to justify starting a breeding colony?
2. When freezing/killing mice, what is the easiest and best way to do it?
3. If I want to get adult mice for large corns, how long will it take for the mice to mature, and can I kill them before they start breeding? If this is not possable, is there a way to separate/prevent a litter from breeding until they are adequate size?

Thanks for any in put.
 
I just recently started a small breeding colony of 2 females and 1 male.

Of course, aside from providing food, the mice also provide entertainment and joy for my daughter. I just got my second snake a day ago, and I plan on at least 2 more this summer. These purchases, both completed and planned, are justification, IMO, along with satisfying my daughter's desire to have "mouses".

I can't really answer your other questions, as I am pretty much making it up as I go along. Do a search for "euthanizing mice". Somewhere in here is a link for a cheap way to use CO2 from baking soda and vinegar as an humane and cost-effective way to euthanize your feeders.
 
My personal answers to your questions:

1. If you LIKE mice, then I'd say a couple of snakes is enough to justify getting a breeding trio. If you don't like mice... then you might well be better off buying frozen even if you own LOTS of snakes, because you WILL have to spend a fair bit of time taking care of the mice if you want them to breed well. I personally like mice, and I breed colours I want, so it's as much a project for me as the snakes.
2. I use carbon dioxide from CO2 canisters - in my case, welding equipment.
3. You should get adult-sized mice in four to six weeks - and by then they're easily sexable (males have... ummm... clearly visible testicles), so if you kept two spare cages and put your young males in one, your young females in the other, you can certainly keep them from breeding.
 
Okay, thanks. And yes, I adore mice.

Now it's a matter of talking it over with my parents. I doubt anything will happen any time soon, but thanks for the info, and I'll try top convince them.
 
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