How to Breed Pet Mice

Mice are such easy breeders--all you have to do is find the right combination and within a short time you'll be counting the babies.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 1 to 4 female mice
• 1 male mouse
• 10-gallon aquarium

1. Stick to the rule of only one male in the cage to avoid fights that could cause serious injury and death.
2. Decide how many litters you want. A male and female can produce from 3 to 12 babies every 18 to 28 days. Putting up to 3 more females in the "harem" will be fine with the male, but do the math. That's a lot of mice!
3. Set up the usual mouse quarters. A 10-gallon aquarium is fine for a group of up to three females and one male. Bed it with softer versions of mouse-approved wood shavings available at the pet store.
4. Treat the ladies to a nest box for their brood. A small cardboard container will do just fine.
5. Keep the temperature between 65 and 80 degrees to create a comfortable environment for your mice.
6. Housing a single male and a few female mice in a cage you can expect babies every 18 to 28 days.
7. Weaning occurs at about 3 weeks of age. Female mice are ready to start all over in two to five days. So if you don't want another batch of babies get Daddy into a separate cage.

Tips & Warnings

• Splitting mice couples into separate cages will keep the peace if you have multiple males. But it will also cause the male mice to produce a strong unpleasant scent as they mark their territory.
• Litter sizes decrease as female mice get older.
• Though your mice may be used to your handling it is wise not to disturb the mother for the first 2 or 3 days after she gives birth. She could panic and hurt or kill her babies, and she might forget all those treats you gave her and take a bite out of you.
• Pet stores will usually take mice if you end up with too many. But most are bought by snake or reptile owners getting their pets' dinner.