What should I say?

by AnonymousMouseOwner Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:10 am

I was looking for mouse breeders in my area, as I routinely do, last night. I FINALLY FOUND ONE! I was so excited and started to look into it more. Then, I saw a Crittertrail in the background of one of the pictures. I tried not to think much of it, and thought "Well, maybe it's just a holding cage for when their tanks or bins are being cleaned". So I decided to ask them about it, as well as ask some questions from the "list of questions to ask your breeder" topic on here. I am so disappointed by the answers. I thought I finally found a breeder that wasn't just a feeder breeder. And while they mean well, and sell them as pets, these are the answers they gave me:
Diet: Kaytee Gourmet food
How long they've been running: Only a few months
Cages: Crittertrails and small store bought cages (At least that's what I saw in the pictures they sent me)
Pedigrees: No, because they didn't come from a place that supplied them with pedigrees, but they are keeping track of it now.

They seem very passionate about keeping mice, and I can tell they mean well. I really don't want to ignore them, but I don't want to come off as harsh either. It seems like they are doing what the pet store told them to, and haven't done their research. Any ideas on how to kindly give them information on proper care? I do it all the time on other forums, I practically typed a whole essay on mouse care once for someone Laughing

But it just feels different talking to a breeder, who isn't asking for information. Usually the people I type essays for are asking for the info and wanting to learn, which makes me happy to help.

Edit: Oh my... Wait... It looks like they don't stay in the cages, as I am looking at these photos more. It appears they free range on a table! They could jump off if they wanted to.... Nail biting

Edit #2: Oh, um, if I'm understanding this setup right, the males and females free range together.

by CallaLily Thu 20 Apr 2017, 7:11 am

Yeah. Definitely doesn't sound like they're off to a good start, but it sounds like they're unaware of their mistakes. Maybe just explain that you were looking for mice with pedigrees and drop a link to the breeding section of this forum.

I personally don't free range on open table tops, but I know many people do. Most mice understand the edge and respect it. But it is definitely a bit of a risk. It's not something I feel I can safely do here.

Both sexes free ranging together is not a good idea at all and is just asking for fighting. Not to mention, I'm not sure how they're going to be able to start accurately tracking lines with this arrangement. I hope it's a misunderstanding.

by AnonymousMouseOwner Thu 20 Apr 2017, 5:28 pm

Thanks for the tips. I am just really worried about coming off as rude. Do you think there is anything I could compliment them on, so it's not just like cold hard facts and an explanation of why I won't be adopting any? Usually, when I'm telling someone how to improve a setup, I like to tell them something I do like about their setup, then let them know what they should fix.

by CallaLily Fri 21 Apr 2017, 9:17 am

You could compliment them on giving the mice a lot of out of cage time. I feel like that's a pretty awesome thing, I just hope it isn't mix sex. Uummm, do they provide a lot of things for the mice to do/explore? You could compliment their openness. There are some out there who would not have taken the time to answer questions or share pictures - those you'll want to avoid too.

by AnonymousMouseOwner Fri 21 Apr 2017, 4:13 pm

No - There isn't much, actually. Basically, it is two Crittertrail size cages out on a table, and the doors are open on them. Crittertrail #1 has Carefresh bedding, a water bottle, a 7 inch wheel, and a small hidey house. Crittertrail #2 has two inappropriately sized wheels, a food dish, and a water bottle. Then, out on the table, there is a mesh wheel, it looks to be the 4.5 inch one, but I can't tell for sure, a water bottle, some kind of stick to chew on, 1 TP tube, a mason jar, and a food dish. The bedding for the table is just felt or fleece, it looks like. I can compliment them on the out of cage time, and their use of mesh wheels (since mice love mesh wheels!), thanks!

by AnonymousMouseOwner Fri 21 Apr 2017, 4:46 pm

Ok! I sent a very long message, and tried to word it as nicely as I could. I hope it goes well! Nail biting

by CallaLily Fri 21 Apr 2017, 4:56 pm

I hope they take it well or that it at least prompts them into doing some research.

by AnonymousMouseOwner Fri 21 Apr 2017, 11:19 pm

They saw it 20 minutes ago, and haven't replied yet. I hope I wasn't too mean, I really tried to say it as nice as I could! Sad

by Rodents rock! Fri 21 Apr 2017, 11:28 pm

Well, if they truly care about the mice and want to breed responsibly, they will welcome information and be interested in learning more. Try not to worry. Smile

by AnonymousMouseOwner Sat 22 Apr 2017, 2:27 am

Ok! They replied! So, they said that their mice do live in the Crittertrail cages, but since the cages are small, they allow them to free range on the table for a while everyday. They said that one of their mice, however, enjoys it so much that they let him free range all the time or at least most of the time on the table, if I'm understanding it right. They also said they are working on their current caging situation and are hoping for tubs (bins) in the future. I recommended the Vitasmart Parakeet as well, and they said they will certainly look into it. Plus, they said they have ordered toys already and they are on their way. I believe the males and females together thing was a misunderstanding. Happy to receive such a nice reply, they were really nice Smile

by Rodents rock! Sat 22 Apr 2017, 10:06 am

That is really great to hear! Very Happy

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