Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Sorry for all the questions
While I continue researching and prepping to embark on some rat colonies, in the meantime I'm setting up mice mouse colonies again but this time I am using a different system and I was curious as to any input. The new containers I'll be using measure 13"x40"x7 high. I'm wondering how many females and males you would recommend for each container. I figured the containers might be big enough for around 10-15 females and 1-2 males. Not sure if I should have 2 males. I used to set up 1.5 in busboy trays and this worked well. However the new containers are set up with food and water systems so I definately want to use them and I was hoping to maybe increase overall efficiency by putting in larger colonies. I just purchased 110 females and 22 males.
Thank you,
Mike

The new containers I'll be using measure 13"x40"x7 high. I'm wondering how many females and males you would recommend for each container. I figured the containers might be big enough for around 10-15 females and 1-2 males. Not sure if I should have 2 males. I just purchased 110 females and 22 males.
>>Thank you,
>>Mike

I think with the size of the trays you should (oh heck, I go by feel but I am looking at those measurements on my desk) be able to set up 1.10 but I would be hesitant to set up more than one male per tub. I say this 'cause it seems to me that production drops whenever I find more than one boy in a tub (by accident/one growing up faster than I thought). I don't know if, with all that room it would be a trouble.
I think I would put rats in some of them and not all mice. As it does sound like a shame to let them go to waste.
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Sonya

could just divide each container in half so you have 2 13x20x7 sections. Then you can have 1:5 in each. Having 10 females to 'service' may wear a poor guy out. You could try both, putting one male in with 10 females, divide some tubs and have two groups of 1:5 and see which produces the most for you.

>>could just divide each container in half so you have 2 13x20x7 sections. Then you can have 1:5 in each. Having 10 females to 'service' may wear a poor guy out. You could try both, putting one male in with 10 females, divide some tubs and have two groups of 1:5 and see which produces the most for you.

That is a good idea. But if you divide do it with something solid. I have had male mice chew off body parts fighting through wire.
I have 1.8 groups a lot and don't have problems with tired males. So I don't know that that will be a problem.
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Sonya