Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was just wondering if it effects the mice at all if you keep them in the dark? I have a spare closest and was thinking of putting them in there so my cats and dogs would leave them alone, plus it would confine the smell a little bit. Anyways just wondering if it would be ok? or would stress them out and etc? any tips appreciated. Thanks
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-Robert-

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"All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in single words: Freedom,Justice,Honor,Duty,Mercy,Hope"
- W. Churchhill

1.2 Lampropeltus getulus
0.1 ALbino Argentina Horned Frog

They may be okay, but I think they need some kind of light cycle to breed properly. I kept mine for a while in a bathroom utility closet but left the closet door open so they got the ambient room light from the window.

Light is much more important to a breeding colony of mice than most people think. To increase the production of any mouse colony you need to run a long daylength photoperiod. Maximum colony reproduction can be achieved by running the room lights on a timer set to give a daylength of 14 to 16 hours of light. The timer will give the required consistency, and you also want to run this long daylength all year long. Daylengths below 12 hours of light per day will definitely lower the reproductive output of any mouse colony. I run my daylengths at 16 hours per day year around and have outstanding production every month of the year from mice and rats. To get the greatest effect, always use interior lighting, preferably fluorescent, and never rely solely on outside lighting through windows. Interior lighting will be more controllable and more consistent.

Kelly

Well I appreciate the info, I guess they will be coming out of the closest! and not int that way either lol! Thanks for the info
-----
-Robert-

-----
"All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in single words: Freedom,Justice,Honor,Duty,Mercy,Hope"
- W. Churchhill

1.2 Lampropeltus getulus
0.1 ALbino Argentina Horned Frog