Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello All,

I am new to breeding mice and rats, and I'm having lots of problems.

They are dying off.

They are all dying from Sendai mouse/rat virus. 80% had symptoms and are gone now.

How and when do I start over?

Do I keep the two survivors ( no sypmtoms), or do they have to go?

Where can I get high quality, sturdy mice that produce large litters?

Is there any difference between breeding mice and rats?

Finally, is there anyone who has a whole grain mix recipe for mice that meets all thier nutritional requirements ( including for breeding)?

I fed them organic whole grains, seeds, legumes (wheat, oats, soy beans, sunflower seeds,etc) but I wanted to get the right mix. I don't want to use dog food or lab blocks; whole grains, etc. I think are the best in the end.

Thanks,

Jay

Actually you'd be wrong assuming that just whole grains would meet their nutrient requirements. In the wild Rats are omnivores.. able to take advantage of any available food source..they have higher protein requirements than whole grains and legumes can manage to provide. Hence why we add the dog food to their diets. It provides the protein necessary and even then some of us supplement by feeding scrambled eggs once in a while.. mealworms, chicken, turkey...other high protein foods. Mice are much the same way. Not enough protein and you're going to get cannabilization in a big way. And the lack of correct nutrients will compromise their immune systems making them less able to fight disease.

As to your original question... No symptoms in a rat or mouse doesn't mean it can't still carry the disease. You'd do well to start over.. thoroughly disinfect everything and purchase new breeding stock.