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Post by blackself on Apr 17, 2014 15:46:22 GMT 10
Hello guys! I wanna breed fancy mice from pet store mice since around here, in PR no one seems to breed fancy mice, I cannot import from UK nor US because around of the money. I am told that people from AU have had similar issues because of the laws and such. So, i figured I could ask on a forum such as this if any of you had bred from pet store mice and how can you get them to Show-quality. Thanks in advance!!  |
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Post by mousekateers on Apr 24, 2014 19:11:19 GMT 10
most of us start from pet store quality mice. Some of our breeders have made great leaps in their breeding programs by identifying areas for improvement and working on one thing at a time.
1. You need to read the "Standards" from Mouse Clubs which give descriptions of what the ideal mouse should look like. My favourite websites include: hiiret.fi/eng/ , www.afrma.org/fancymice.htm plus any other sites that you find interesting. Although for Aussies a lot of the varieties listed on those sites are unobtainable to us in Australia, and probably you in Puerto Rico, the information is invaluable in starting out.
2. The most common areas for improvement are size, eyes, ears, body shape, tail set.
3. Of course most breeders firstly select a variety to work with ie •Siamese, fox/tan, self, ticked, marked which can be broken down into brindles or marked mice including dutch, blazed, Hereford, broken/even marked etc.
So, once you've decided on the variety you want to work with, you need to find mice in those varieties and select the ones with the best features ie biggest eyes, largest, roundest, crease-free ears etc.
And then READ, READ, READ.
Read as many websites, join as many forums, clubs, FB pages as you can and ask questions.
NB: in different countries you will find different husbandry methods, it is up to you to decide which way you want to go. For me, I control the life of these animals and all life is sacred so I choose not to cull, but breed wisely and selectively.
Hope this is some food for thought, and good luck.
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Post by blackself on Apr 25, 2014 0:58:57 GMT 10
Thank you for your help. In respect to varieties I think any can be obtained here, I've had satins in the past atleast. Thank you for all this info!
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Post by mousekateers on May 13, 2014 20:45:58 GMT 10
we can only dream of those varieties. Most Aussies would give anything to have satin or extreme black etc.
We'd love to hear how you go. Make sure you document your progress with photos. We'd be interested in see the results.
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Post by blackself on May 14, 2014 10:12:16 GMT 10
I sure will! ty |
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