How do you raise mice?

[Emily-Fisher]

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!:p

[unknownclown]

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]

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

[Burmies]

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]

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]

thanks a bunch vander and burmies!

[Lisa]

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]

Thanks Lisa :) i will probably buy the mice tomorrow and i will keep all of your information in mind. :) thanks!

[Linds]

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]

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]

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]

Woops. I guess I shoulda kept quiet :p 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>