Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
I got 1.2 regular pet type mice from a pet store two weeks ago, to provide five young snakes with pinkies and fuzzies, soon hoppers and on up. I want to add at least two more females, so I can hopefully freeze enough to not have to raise them all the time. Is it possible to introduce new mice without them eating each other (as has happened to me way too many times). One friend said to put vicks vapor rub on their chest, so they all smell the same, but this seems like I might have some drunk mice on my hands.
Also, what's about the most females you'd keep with a male in a 16" X 24" homeade breeder tub?

Thanks,
Taylor

As long as your first mice have no babies, it shouldn't be too hard. If they are obviously pregnant, I would say scrap the idea and raise a couple of their daughters to increase the size of the breeding group. If all your mice are not obviously pregnant then what you do is clean their cage VERY thouroughly, including all cage furniture, if there is any.... then put the male in for a couple of hours, then throw all four female in. You might notice the mice scuffling (keep an eye on them for a little while) but unless one of the mice draws BLOOD, I wouldn't worry they are just figuring out who is the boss. The only reason to remove ANY of the mice is if one is drawing blood... then remove the one drawing the blood. And in 99.9% of the time you can ignore how much the females scream at the male... he's just doing his job. I think I've only ever had two males who got mouse-icidal and killed their girls instead of (or in addition to) breeding them. As far as the bin size, sounds like it could handle up to 1.8 mice, and 1.4 will be very comfortable for them.
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~Sasheena

The warning label says that it is not for internal consumption. What do you think the mice will do when you put it on them? They will clean themselves. Many people talk about putting new stock into a quarantine box. When you decide to introduce them, do it when there aren't any babies or mothers ready to drop babies.

Denver Tom