20g too big?

[tyflier]

...I bought my two mice (1.1) on January 6th, and have nothing to show for it yet. Then again they were smaller at the time and the lady said it may take a few months for them to get going. Does holding them cause them not to breed?

It's not holding them alone that inhibits the breeding, it's the constant disturbances. Apparrently, they are very sensitive to light cycles, noises, handling, and random disturbances, all of which can inhibit the breeding cycle. Since the "pet" mice are plainly visible in the room, with wheels and ropes and what-not to play on, their day/night light cycles get very confusing with the on/off of the ambient room light, and all the disturbance from foot traffic in and out of my bedroom, coupled with the constant holding seesions...all leading to a distinct lack of interest in breeding. The male doesn't even "show signs" of maturity, even though I know for sure that he is. At the pet store, with the constant light cycles, he was "showing". Since being in my bedroom, he has "shrunk" and doesn't show outward signs of maturity.

The new colony I started, in a seperate container, on a shelf in the closet, not being disturbed, have already started mating, and I've only had them for 2 days. 3 females and 1 male...he's a happy boy who is most definately showing signs of his maturity, and all 4 are showing distinct interest in breeding.

So I would have to say that it makes a big difference...