[sjs205]

Hello All,

I've finally found a little buck to introduce to one of my does - see my introduction page for more details.

I got the buck about a week ago and have kept him in a separate tank to allow him to settle before I introduce him to the doe of choice. My question is, can I just put him in their tank and let nature do its course or do I need to introduce him using a split cage method to ensure they get used to each others scent etc.?

Also, How long should I leave them together? one night? until she gives birth?

I obviously don't want to leave him in there too long since I only want one litter for now but

I did google this info but didn't find much other than mouse care methods etc. so welcome any recommended sites that may be of use.

Cheers all,

Steven and Laura

 

[FeralWolf]

Hya!

When I introduced my buck to my doe, I left them in a newly cleaned cage (neutral territory) and they got used to each other. I watched them for an hour though, to make sure they wouldn't fight.

If I were you, I would leave the buck in there for 7-10 days to ensure pregnancy. I have heard that bucks make good fathers, but if you only want one litter :lol: , I wouldn't take the chance.

A great site is http://www.thefunmouse.com/info/breeding.cfm

Hope this helps,

FeralWolf

To Forum Monitors; I am sorry if I didn't link back to the forum, I still don't know how!

 

[sjs205]

Cheers for the site, was just what I was looking for.

One more question though...

Is it okay to let the mice have their fun for up to 16 days then re-introduce the pregnant doe with her sister?

 

[FeralWolf]

I don't see how it could hurt, though I have never tried it.

If you did try, when you re-introduce them, do it on brand new bedding (again neutral territory) and watch them closely for a while.

Hope this helps! (And works :lol: )

 

[sjs205]

Yeah that makes sense... Maybe i'll just allow them all in together and have two litters...

Thanks for your help,

Steven and Laura

 

[WillowDragon]

Don't introduce the the buck to the doe in her cage, she is more likely to get aggressive... neutral territory can work, but personally I put the does in the bucks cage, she is a lot less likely to get aggressive that way, and the male will just get on with his work! lol

 

[moustress]

Yes! Put the girl in his tank and they will likely get along better than the other way around.

 

[bethmccallister]

I agree about putting the doe in with the buck...never had an issue using this method yet. I would try to re-introduce her with the other doe in neutral territory after about 2 weeks with the male. This should go pretty smoothly and will give the doe company and may even help with the babies.

 

[sjs205]

That is what I was hoping; the sister doe can be the nanny...

 

[sjs205]

But I think what I may do is put them all in the doe tank after a good clean with some fairy etc. since the does have the bigger tank.

Once the Little ones are ready will it be okay to put the little bucks with the adult buck and keep the does together?

 

[bethmccallister]

Each buck should have his own cage because they can be peaceful one day and the next day chew each other to bits. I've had males that were brothers that I had hoped would live together and they did for about 2 months but then suddenly one day one of them was missing part of his tail Males are really mean to each other, especially when they can see or smell other females.

 

[sjs205]

Good tip... But the does should all be fine together right?

 

[AnnB]

As long as your tank is big enough for a group of does, mother and daughters should be fine together.