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Introduction |
Stages |
Keeping & Breeding |
Breeding |
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References &
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House Mouse
Introduction:
The domestication of
rats (Ratttus
rattus) and mice (Mus musculus) began well
over a century ago, interesting enough during a period when these rodents were seen as the major
spreaders of various unpleasant diseases. So called
"rat-catchers" were publically employed to get rid of these
"pests", as they
were called then. Rat-catchers began to keep and display
different colour varieties in public houses.
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House Mouse Stages:
Pet mice are divided into four stages according to
their age and size. These stages
are the pinky stage (pinkies or pinks), fuzzy stage (fuzzies),
hopper stage (hoppers or jumpers) and an adult stage. Pinkies,
typically from day one to about day seven, are
new-born mice that are still
hairless. Fuzzies (day seven to about day twenty one) are in their fuzzy hair stage until they open their eyes.
Hoppers (about three weeks) are weaned offspring. In every stage, males (bucks)
are usually a bit larger than the females (does). Mice are
significantly smaller than rats and weigh in at about 12 - 14 g
/ 0.4 - 1.1 oz. The average mouse is about 15 cm / 6 " long
(incl. tail). Mouse babies are called pups.
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Keeping &
Breeding House Mice:
The following must be taken in consideration before
attempting to breed mice:
These animals and their cages can smell bad very easily. Males tend to stink more than females. The only way to overcome this stinking
problem and prevent discomforts and diseases is to clean the cage once too three
times a week (depending on the number of mice per cage and on the type and size of the
cage) and by preventing overcrowding.
Domesticated mice make good pets, but they are short lived
animals. The average age
of mice is about three years. Only in extreme cases they will
live a little longer. Mice, like most other pet rodents, need lots of attention.
Check List
To Keep & Breed Pet Mice:
 a cage, cages or a large type of container
space
food & water |
bedding
a shallow container for food
& water
keeping and/or breeding stock |
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Breeding House Mice:
A mature or sexual active buck can be placed with up to six does (6:1
ratio). Two or more males per
cage (especially small cages) can end up in brutal fights for domination
which will ultimately end up in reduced fertility and successful matings.
When using a male in a rotating system, he should be at least
three
weeks with a female for ovulation and mating to take place.
Mice can get between three and twenty one pups per pregnancy and can
conceive (give birth) about every twenty nine days. The gestation period
/ pregnancy (from
fertilization to birth) is 19 to 21 days. As with other rodents,
mice usually get pregnant and conceive while
still nursing.
Commercially
mice can be weaned at three weeks but the success will depend on the
genetic strain. The suckling stage is very important for the development of
any mammalian species. Mother's milk is
a very good source of balanced protein and calcium. The longer
pups can
be kept suckling the better. Hoppers can be sold directly after weaning. Generally
speaking the young can be weaned a few days after they start to eat solid food.
Puberty (sexual maturity) starts at about six to twelve weeks
of age. This stage is more dependant on weight than on age. Well
fed mice will reach puberty faster than those on a lower plain
of nutrition.
House Mouse Related
Books:
Buy Books from Kalahari.net
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"If you think I should add more information to this section,
think that something is incorrect or you have any additional information regarding
keeping of mice, use the form below or
go to our contact page to get in
touch. I would love to hear your ideas or methods you might use
that is different than ours."
Last updated 16 June 2007 by Renier
Delport
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"Always remember
only to buy healthy animals from reputable pet shops and
breeders. Make sure to buy animals that are captive bred in
your own country and that it is not illegally imported or caught
from the wild.
If you've read
something funny, or heard something that sounds out of place,
use your common sense before applying. It is extremely
important to do research from more than one source (before
buying or accepting a new animal). Browse other internet
pages, read related magazines and talk to experienced
people."
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House Mouse Related
Topics:
General Pet
Rodent Care Sheet
Mice As Food
Other
Care Sheets
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House Mouse References & Further Reading:
Fox, S. 2003 The Guide To Owning A Mouse, T.F.H.
Publications, Inc.
Alderton, D. 2001 The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Small Pets
& Petcare, Lorenz Books. Miller, S. A. & Harley, J. B. 1999 Zoology,
Fourth Edition, McGraw-Hill.
The Diagram Group, Pets: Every Owner's Encyclopedia,
Paddingston Press LTD. | Top |
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Introduction |
Stages |
Keeping & Breeding |
Breeding |
Books |
Related Topics |
References &
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