24"x12"? Blah, I'm very sorry, but that cage is WAY too small if you plan to bring in approximately 18+ new lives. Also, do you plan to have 2 clutches per pair or one clutch each? At least answer the ones regarding diet . If you do, I can further help you because the information you've given is very limited. I'd hate to make an assumption and have it turn out all wrong.

Please read:
http://www.tuxford.dabsol.co.uk/mast...r/contents.htm
The above is a greyt site, but it's not very easy to understand for beginners.