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pet_rescue13
Sun Oct 23, 2005 6:46 am
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 Getting mice soon!! |
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I've done all my research and I have a nice 1 foot by 2 foot aquarium. I have some questions because I've never had a mouse before, in fact I've only held my friend's sisters mouse once..
Is it better to get two or three mice? Because I had three rats and sometimes one would be left out so I'm worried if I get three mice they might neglect one.
What is the difference between feeder mice and fancy mice? I find fancy mice really cute and adorable, however I can't help but feel bad for the feeder mice who might never get a chance to have a nice life..
Do mice use the same bedding as rats? And can they ever use shredded paper? Is carefresh okay for them?
For food, is there anything that mice really like, or that is really good for them, and is there anything that you should absoluetly never feed for them?
When picking them up you're supposed to hold them in your hand, and only if they're like wild or something should you pick them up by the base of their tale?
I know you're not supposed to use water bowls for mice but how can oyu attach a water bottle to an aquarium? And can you put food in bowls?
If you pick up a mouse they don't automatically try to jump off your hand do they?
I know that mice are very sensitive but they won't like drop over dead if they smell a cat will they? Because I have a cat and my rat's are sort of used to his smell. Sometimes my cat will walk around in the same room, of course when the animals are in their cages.
Male or female? I've never had a female pet in my life,, I know that's kinda weird.. What is the main difference and which are easier to handle?
Anything else that will help me with mice?
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R.I.P. - Teddy, Sox, and Chocolate |
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serendipityrodentry
Sun Oct 23, 2005 5:41 pm
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| Re: Getting mice soon!! |
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I think I can answer these questions for you. 
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Is it better to get two or three mice? Because I had three rats and sometimes one would be left out so I'm worried if I get three mice they might neglect one. |
- Two or three would be fine, especially if they are all from the same litter. They tend to get along better that way. Most of mine all sleep together, but they do sometimes like to have "alone time". I will often find one sleeping on top of the house instead of inside it with the others, just because they wanted to. The only difference is which sex you would like to adopt. Males tend to be solitary, since they are very territorial and will fight other males. Females are social, and should live in groups of two or more.
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What is the difference between feeder mice and fancy mice? I find fancy mice really cute and adorable, however I can't help but feel bad for the feeder mice who might never get a chance to have a nice life.. |
-There really isn't much difference except for what they are meant for - they are all produced the same (and often the "feeder" mice and the "fancy" mice come from the same litter). Feeder mice are usually the more common colored mice (like Albino, Black, Agouti, etc) while fancy mice are the more uncommon colors.
Though I usually don't recommend adopting from pet stores. If there is a breeder in your area, I would recommend adopting from them instead. Breeders pay attention to genetic problems - like health, temperament and aggression issues. Also, the more rare varieties (like Siamese, Himilayan, Blue, Yellows, Long Hair, Satin, Rex, etc) are usually only available from breeders.
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Do mice use the same bedding as rats? And can they ever use shredded paper? Is carefresh okay for them? |
-Shredded paper is okay for them, just be careful about sharp edges. Carefresh is an okay bedding, but some mice do develop allergies to it. I recommend Aspen or Yesterday's News pellets as bedding - but never use Pine or Cedar. They can also cause respiratory problems.
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For food, is there anything that mice really like, or that is really good for them, and is there anything that you should absoluetly never feed for them? |
-The best food for a mouse is either a store bought mix made for mice, Lab Blocks, or a homemade mouse mix. Most store bought mouse mixes are okay - just be careful with too many seeds and fattening foods.
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When picking them up you're supposed to hold them in your hand, and only if they're like wild or something should you pick them up by the base of their tale? |
-One rule is NEVER pick them up by the tail - that hurts them, and can be very traumatic. The best way to pick them up is to place your hand under them and scoop them into your hand. If you have a skittish mouse, you can use a toilet paper roll to pick them up. Just place the TP roll near them, and they will usually go inside. Then pick up the roll with the mouse in it and hold it over your hand - they will usually come out on their own, though it may take a minute or two.
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I know you're not supposed to use water bowls for mice but how can oyu attach a water bottle to an aquarium? And can you put food in bowls? |
-There are water bottle attachments available at most pet stores, or you can buy a water bottle with a little black attachment from Wal-Mart for about $2. Food should be placed in a bowl, but the food usually gets scattered in the tank by the mice.  Oh, and make sure your tank has a lid that fits - mice can jump out of a tank fairly easily.
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If you pick up a mouse they don't automatically try to jump off your hand do they? |
-Most mice will not attempt to jump off your hand, unless they are in the "flea" stage (between 2 and 3 weeks of age). Mice do not have the greatest eyesight, so they tend to stay on level ground. If you are not sure how your mouse will react when you handle them, handle them inside the tank first to see their reaction. That way, if they do jump, they don't have far to fall and will be contained.
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I know that mice are very sensitive but they won't like drop over dead if they smell a cat will they? Because I have a cat and my rat's are sort of used to his smell. Sometimes my cat will walk around in the same room, of course when the animals are in their cages. |
-Mice are skittish, but they do become used to the scents of their environment and of other pets. I have 2 dogs that are near the mouse tanks a lot, and my mice don't even notice them.
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Male or female? I've never had a female pet in my life,, I know that's kinda weird.. What is the main difference and which are easier to handle? |
-Well, if you would like more than one mouse, you should choose females. Females are social and like the company of other mice, but males are solitary. There are some males that will tolerate a cagemate, but they are fairly rare.
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Anything else that will help me with mice? |
- Be sure to provide them with a house (not a wooden house - urine will seep in and retain the smell), a wheel and some toys they can climb on. Empty cardboard boxes, egg cartons and TP rolls make great chewable toys.
You will want to clean out their cage every 5-7 days to keep the ammonia levels down. Be sure you have a separate container to hold them when you do cleanings.
I can't really think of anything else right now....so just let us know if you have any more questions. 
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Shanna
~ Serendipity Rodentry ~ |
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Ellies_girl
Sun Oct 23, 2005 5:50 pm
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| RE: Getting mice soon!! |
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Is it better to get two or three mice? Because I had three rats and sometimes one would be left out so I'm worried if I get three mice they might neglect one. |
2 or 3 would be fine, as long as you have the proper cage size. Just see how many you fall in love with.
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What is the difference between feeder mice and fancy mice? I find fancy mice really cute and adorable, however I can't help but feel bad for the feeder mice who might never get a chance to have a nice life.. |
There is no difference. Fancy mice are the ones with "nicer" colors and markings. They are almost never bred for temperment or health (when they are from pet stores). I would recommend getting your mice from a breeder, or rescue (but breeder is probably better because is your first time having mice).
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Do mice use the same bedding as rats? And can they ever use shredded paper? Is carefresh okay for them? |
I think Carefresh would be okay, but Aspen is cheaper, and I know that alot of people are very happy with it for there mice. Generally hard paper pellet litter is not recommended for mice, because they like to burrow, but most other litter that you would use for rats are safe for mice.
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For food, is there anything that mice really like, or that is really good for them, and is there anything that you should absoluetly never feed for them? |
Most people seem to feed there mice Suebees, with a little less of some ingredients, and more of others. Mice are usually not as willing to try new things as rats.
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When picking them up you're supposed to hold them in your hand, and only if they're like wild or something should you pick them up by the base of their tale? |
You should NEVER pick a mouse up by its tail. Mice tails are even more delicate than rat tails. Scoop them up like you would with rats.
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I know you're not supposed to use water bowls for mice but how can oyu attach a water bottle to an aquarium? And can you put food in bowls? |
You can attach a water bottle to the top of an aquarium. That is what I do when I quarentine new rats. Food bowls are fine. What else would you use? I guess there are those atomatic feeders.
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If you pick up a mouse they don't automatically try to jump off your hand do they? |
Mice usually do not actually jump off you (I think), but most do not enjoy being held. THey are more a pet to watch.
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I know that mice are very sensitive but they won't like drop over dead if they smell a cat will they? Because I have a cat and my rat's are sort of used to his smell. Sometimes my cat will walk around in the same room, of course when the animals are in their cages. |
I do not think that smelling your cat would really harm them, but I strongley recommend keeping your cat out of the room where your meeces are, atleast until they are settled in.
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Male or female? I've never had a female pet in my life,, I know that's kinda weird.. What is the main difference and which are easier to handle? |
If you want to get more than one mouse, get females. Males generally smell more, and usually have to live alone. Females are much easier to do intros with, and usually get along with other females.
I do not have much advice other than please get your mice from a breeder (or rescue)
Good luck 
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Rosie
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I miss you Tut, Goldy, and Raoul  |
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serendipityrodentry
Sun Oct 23, 2005 8:30 pm
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MerlinsMagic
RP Supporter
Sun Oct 23, 2005 8:34 pm
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LOL so am I, at first I thought that it was an accidental double post...Shaz
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Ellies_girl
Mon Oct 24, 2005 1:05 am
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omg, that is so weird. I was pretty much saying what you and all the other mice people said though.
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Rosie
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I miss you Tut, Goldy, and Raoul |
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I'm seeing double! Lol.