Steve: You can start attempting to feed it veggies right away. They will usually not take to them right away, but it doesn't hurt to leave them in there for it. Mine took to them pretty quick. They also work great in taming him. handfeeding veggies helps them ascociate (sp?) you with food, which makes them like you
the "PRO'S" can usually determine sex from about 6 wks, My little guy was sexed from the breeder as male, and at about 3-4mths old the 'bulges' became visable.
peterm15: you can, some people find it easier, and as you said it eliminates crix running around at night. I fed my guy a couple at a time so they could not get away, now they can't even get out of the bag by the time he's in there chowin down on dinner, crazy bugger.