|
"The easiest way to sex mice is by direct comparison - the distance between the
anus and genitals is greater in the male. Mice can be sexed from birth in this
way once you've had a bit of practise - so there's no excuse for pet stores
saying they 'can't guarantee it's the right sex'. When you buy a pair, before
you leave the pet store, gently lift their tails and compare their genitals.
Look at the mice from the side as well as straight on.
They should look exactly the same. If you're not sure, try a magnifying glass
or take it to a vet or humane society & ask them to check. If this option isn't
available to you, here's another one:
If the mouse is old enough to leave its mother, and if it is male, it will
have testicles. These can be drawn up into the body, but if you lift the tail
slightly and look underneath you'll still see the slightly baggy scrotum
(lovely!). Alternatively, put the mouse's food into a high-sided bowl. The
mouse will perch on the side of the bowl to eat. If it is a boy, its
testicles will soon drop down and dangle for all to see.
Only female mice have nipples, so it might be worth exaining the mouse's
tummy. They are visible in tiny babies, but once hair grows can be hard to
spot unless the mouse has reared a litter."
I would seperate them to stop the breeding and put an ad in the paper or set them free when they are old enough. I value every life equally and I think you should give them a chance rather then just needlessly killing them when you have so many more then you need.
|