How to Breed African Pygmy Mice

The African pygmy mouse is the smallest known mouse species. Not widely available in North America, this miniature mouse species can be found at some pet stores and reptile expos. These mice are typically bred for one of two reasons, either for the pet trade or as feeder mice for very small reptiles that are unable to consume white mice. African pygmies reach sexual maturity at approximately 4 months of age with an average lifespan of two to three years. Typically, three babies are born per litter, with babies having no hair and closed eyes at birth.

Things You'll Need

  • 5-gallon tank with secure screen lid
  • Heat source
  • Water bottle
  • Food
  • Substrate
  • Nest building material
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a suitable habitat to house the pygmy mice. It is suggested, for breeding purposes to house four4 mice in a 5-gallon tank, with three females to every male. If males are housed together they will often chew weaker male's ears or tales off. These animals can still be bred but it is a situation best avoided.

    • 2

      Fill the tank with a substrate of approximately three inches of pine shavings, recycled newspaper bedding or corncob. Do not use cedar chips, as the oil can be harmful to small mammals.

    • 3

      Select the smallest tube water bottle available. Once you have installed it in your tank observe the mice to make sure they are able to use the bottle. It is advisable to provide a shallow dish with water until it has been determined they are able to successfully drink from the water bottle. Place a few small stones in the shallow dish of water so that if the mice happen to fall in, they are able to get out. Use purified bottled water for best breeding results, it seems the chemicals found in average tap water adversely affect their ability to breed successfully.

    • 4

      Provide a high-protein diet. Standard wild birdseed in conjunction with fruits, vegetables and monkey biscuits should provide a varied enough diet to keep your mice healthy.

    • 5

      Keep the tank's temperature between 70 and 82 degrees for an optimal breeding environment. If the temperature falls below 60 degrees these small mice do not possess enough body mass to maintain body heat and can die.

    • 6

      Offer shredded tissue, cardboard tubes and small boxes to allow these mice to burrow and seek shelter.