Sexing Mice

[ReptilianQueen]

I know this might sound like an idiot question, but I was just wondering of anyone could tell me how you determine the gender of mice? I have been reading up on raising Feeder Mice for my Corn Snakes and they say there should only be 1 male to 5 females in a 10 gallon tank. They state if you keep more than one male in an enclosure with females that leads to infighting and cannibalism. As my Cornsnakes are babies I will be harvesting pinkies but later on as they get bigger, I'll have to keep my mice alive enough to freeze them according to the snakes' nutritional needs. Which means infighting and cannibalism is not a good thing.

 

[Scorpendra]

look between it's legs, easy enough.

You'd be surprise how hard it is to determine the sex immature mice.

i said that looking between the legs was the answer, i didn't say that it would be easy to get a sufficient look look! ! but seriously, it's impossible for me to be wrong this time.

 

[ReptilianQueen]

look between it's legs, easy enough.

You'd be surprise how hard it is to determine the sex immature mice.

 

[GQ.]

Here is an informative link on sexing mice. It has a couple photos of mouse nether regions to help you out.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=18&cat=1804&articleid=2584

 

[atavuss]

adult and larger juv males are easy to spot by their testicles when they are running around. I would recommend a larger enclosure than a 10 gallon for 1 male and 5 female mice unless you want to be cleaning the enclosure 2 or more times a week. plus the 10 gallon glass terrariums are heavy. I have been breeding rats (1 male to 3 females) in 66 quart sterilite brand containers for years, never had a rat chew out of one yet. the 66 quart containers are cheaper, lighter, and easier to clean than a 10 gallon tank. you can get the containers at target, walmart, etc. for around 6.00. I cut the center out of the top and pop rivet 1/4" hardware mesh in for ventilation. I hang the food and water containers from the mesh. I would recommend that you do not use pine or cedar for bedding, aspen bedding is readily available and works well. what are you planning on using for food? lab blocks? I used to use lab blocks but they were a pain to find in large bags so I found a dog food that is very close to the nutrient levels listed on the lab block bags. mice used as breeders will usually just plain wear out in less than a year's time. another reason to use the larger container is so that there will not be as much cannibalism amongst your breeders. I stopped breeding mice some time ago as in my experience rats are better breeders and rarely if ever cannibalize their young.

 

[ChrisNCT]

Here is an informative link on sexing mice. It has a couple photos of mouse nether regions to help you out.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=18&cat=1804&articleid=2584

Thanks allot GQ~!!!!!

I just spent an hour viewing that site. So much info on many of the things that I have here at home.

 

[GQ.]

Your welcome Chris. I'm glad it was of some use to you.

Gilbert

 

[Crotalus]

I always sex mice (especially younger mice) by looking at the space between anus and genitalia opening. Long space means male.

/Lelle

 

[ReptilianQueen]

Thanks a Bunch!

Here is an informative link on sexing mice. It has a couple photos of mouse nether regions to help you out.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=18&cat=1804&articleid=2584

There's nothing like staring at rodent nether regions for a few hours.