When will they mate?

Question
I just took my female up to my friends house for mating. they are getting to it slowly, but there is alot of good signs. the male is quite old, he may be 1 year, and the female is small and young, im unsure but probly 6 months. they only have one day together, but how much time do you reccomend for mating???before,whenever he tried to mate, she screams and runs, but right now their asleep beside eachover, being very protective of eachother, is that a good sign? have they stopped trying? will they mate soon? answer all questions(you can tell but the question marks) and be fast,i only have till morn.

Answer
Dear Lydia,

Keep the mice together as long as possible.  Although they often mate in the first day, it can sometimes take up to 5 days.  Still, if he already tried, she is probably ready.  Then it is only a matter of him catching her!  Female mice do NOT like to mate.  The male grabs her, holds her so tight she looks like she will break in two pieces, and bites her ear.  

The age difference is not a problem.  Ok let me count the question marks... yes it is a good sign that they sleep together.  I think I covered them all.  

Have fun with the babies!  I have answered a lot of questions about pregnancy and babies, so check out my archives (click on "see past answers") for more info.  Feel free to write back with more questions.

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha