Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I currently have 10 snakes (Kings & Milks) that all eat pinkies to fuzzies. I like to feed my snakes twice a week 2-3 pinks a week, so I'm feeding about 30 mice per week. The last shippment of 200 frozen pinks I bought was about $75 which will last me about 2 months. I was just wondering if it's worth it to start breeding my own mice? Would it cost me more money to breed then to buy frozen? Would 1 male and 3 females be good to start? And would they produce enough to feed all my snakes? Any advice? Thank you.

well, I spend less than $75 every 2 months and I am producing more rodents than you would need. It is the space, smell, and time that you need to worry about. I happen to enjoy breeding my own rodents (not cleaning their cages though). Start with something small and see how you like it.

>>I currently have 10 snakes (Kings & Milks) that all eat pinkies to fuzzies. I like to feed my snakes twice a week 2-3 pinks a week, so I'm feeding about 30 mice per week. The last shippment of 200 frozen pinks I bought was about $75 which will last me about 2 months. I was just wondering if it's worth it to start breeding my own mice? Would it cost me more money to breed then to buy frozen? Would 1 male and 3 females be good to start? And would they produce enough to feed all my snakes? Any advice? Thank you.

I started breeding my own mice when I had only three young colubrids to feed pinks and fuzzies to. It would be well worth it for you to raise your own. How many you start with will depend on how quickly you want to catch up and totally be producing your food. If it were me I think I would start a group or two of 1.5 and work from there. You can always freeze ahead and cut back once you get going.
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Sonya

hello
i've been breeding my own rodents for a couple of years now.
as long as u keep the cages clean they aren't too bad.i have 3 groups of mice 1.4 & 4 groups of rats 1.2.i figure that it costs me about $6.00/wk after the caging & supplies.matter of fact i was doing so well that i talked myself into expanding my collection.good luck!

Cost wise breeding your own is the way to go, but the smell and time is another issue. On the other hand $75 for 200 pinkies is alot. I usually by 900 pinkies 200 fuzzies and 100 mice for $180 shipped. You probably should shop around a little more. You might even be able to find someone local. Also if 200 pinkies is only lasting you 2 months, you might consider making a bigger order. Mice packed good stay good for 6 months or more in tupperware containers and if they are vacuum sealed you can get a year or more out of them. IMHO

tom

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