Wild Mice?

Bighead · 06-08-04, 05:34 PM

I am assuming the answer is no here, but thought I'd check just in case.

I live way out in the woods on Mt. Baker in Washington. A couple nights ago I thought I saw something run along a wall out of the corner of my eye. I didn't see anything when I went to investigate, but decided to set some mouse traps and see what happens. Since then I've caught 4 adult mice. Is there any chance that these would be safe to feed my snakes after I freeze them? It would save me quite a few bucks.

My other question is, has anybody seen plans on how to build a cheap "live catch" mouse trap? I'd rather just relocate the little buggers than brake their necks. Thanks.

blazinreps · 06-08-04, 06:03 PM

Hey i donno if feedin wild mice would be ok but maybe after freezing.

i know hwo to build a very easy live trap mouse trap. u get a bucket with a metal handle u tak eo fthe handle and get a pop cana dn cuz a hole in the bottom so the the metal handle and go thre the top and out the bottom. Put the handle back on and up so it ready to be picked up. make sure the can spin the can on the handle. put penut butter on the can and a ramp up to the bucket. so the mose goes up the ramp to investigate and ses the peanut butter just for it the can will just spin when it trys to garb on and the mouse will fall in the bucket. this can be a non release trap if u fill the bucket with water.

annieb_mice · 06-08-04, 08:21 PM

I wouldn't recommend feeding wild mice to your herps, no telling what kind of parasites and such they might be carrying. There is also the possible issue of what they were eating. These mice could have been eating poisoned bait left out by a neighbour, or a variety of other potentially harmful substances.
Is it really worth the potential health risks of your pets just to save a few bucks? If you need a good local source of feeder mice, let me know. I know of an excellent feeder breeding in Washington that would be happy to supply you.

Take care
Annie B. <:3 )~~

annieb_mice · 06-08-04, 08:48 PM

Oh... and as a "humane" way of catching mice... I'd suggest investing in a humane "live" trap such as the "tin cat" or have-a-hart catch and release traps. There are a variety of other humane traps available ranging in price from around $5 - $25 that are good.
When you place a trap, put it in a room where you have seen a lot of mouse traffic. Place a small amount of food, pretty much anything would be good though I have heard of people having success with a few kibbles of dog food, inside the trap. Place the trap against a wall, under a piece of furniture usually works good. Make sure it's fairly easy to access without disturbing things too much and check it once daily... It might take a few weeks before you start catching any mice, but I think that might be because there is no "mousie" type smell to the trap and the smell of humans might be strong for the first little bit. But give it some time and you should start catching lots of mice.
BTW... if you decide to release them again... make sure you take them at LEAST 3 miles away from your home or they will make their way back.

Good luck!!
Annie B.

mykee · 06-08-04, 08:53 PM

With regards to feeding wild mice, there was an old computer saying back from high school: "Garbage in, garbage out". Rings true in this case too.

Bighead · 06-10-04, 04:35 PM

OK. Kinda what I was figuring. I know they can't have gotten into any poisons or pesticides as I don't have any neighbors for quite a long way in any direction, but I would like to know what the mice were eating anyway.

Annie- could you PM me the name and number of the place you know of in Washington? I haven't been able to find a supplier other than retail stores. I do live close to a big cricket ranch, though, so it's nice not to have to pay shipping for those any more.