Breeding Feeder Mice

[AnOle]

Hey everyone,
I'm in the process of buying a ball python but before i do i want to start breeding feeder mice and have a few questions

1. what kind of housing would i need for 1.2 mice? would a hamster cage be large enough
2. what kind of substrate would i use?
3. would a colony of 1.2 breeder's produce enough for a large ball python
4. how many pups do u get in a litter?
5. Last but not least is it difficult and how is it done?

[Linds]

Originally posted by AnOle
1. what kind of housing would i need for 1.2 mice? would a hamster cage be large enough

Sizewise it would be fine, however they will be able to escape through the bars. Best to stick to a tank or tub.

2. what kind of substrate would i use?

I personally prefer pine shavings. I get a 50+ lb bag at the co-op for $4. You can also use aspen, shredded paper, and some of the more expensive substrates such as Carefresh.

3. would a colony of 1.2 breeder's produce enough for a large ball python

Why is a large ball python still feeding on mice? Have you tried switching to rats? How many mice does it eat in a sitting?

4. how many pups do u get in a litter?

All depends. ICR and other types of inbred lab mice produce large litters (20ish), while I find the regular fancy mice produce between 7-10.

5. Last but not least is it difficult and how is it done?
Its not hard, not as easy as rats, but not hard. Just keep your colony together, do not remove the male - this slows production by a long stretch, especially in mice which don't breed as crazy or handle the stress of moving around like rats do. Just make sure they are well fed and watered, and cleaned as needed. Mice are dirty, if you clean too much the male will scent more, if you don't clean it will stink bad....you just sorta have to go with the middle area and deal with the smell. It may take a little while for your colony to become established.

[AnOle]

I have not acquired the python yet. I just asked the pet shop what they feed it. So rats would be best for a ball python.
Also i have one more question. How do you care for baby mic or rats will teh parents do it??

[HeatherRose]

I have a question along these lines too :)....

If I started a small 1.1 or 1.2 rat colony...would I have too many offspring to feed one BP? I don't know how often rat's reproduce :P

Thanks :)

[Linds]

An0le,
Rats are definitely the way to go with BP's. The sooner you can switch them over to rats the better, nothing is worse than having an animal capable of feeding on medium sized rats stuck on mice :rolleyes: And yes, you do not have to pay any extra attention to the babies, the parents do all the work. Another thing worth mentioning, you can handle the pinkies no problem, even the day they are born, the mother will NOT eat them is you do - this is just an old wives tale ;) If your BP is feeding on mice, start it on mice first and when it is feeding for you on mice, then make the switch to rats.

Heather,
You can generally expect females to produce a litter every 1-1.5 months. Litter sizes range anywhere from 7-20, you'll have to see what yours throw. Mine have always had 12-18 babies per litter on average.

[AnOle]

Thanks alot for the advice linds,
Brad,