Three new mice and I'm a worried mum!

by Karrottcake Tue 27 Dec 2016, 10:04 pm

I got my first three mice today and they seem to be settling into their new home nicely for the most part Smile

I was just hoping to get a few questions answered.

One of my mice fell from quite a high distance (about shoulder height) trying to get away from me as I tried to put her in her new home. I didn't think they'd be so squirmy and fast which now I just feel awful and silly for letting it happen :c She seems pretty okay but she's exploring a lot less than her sisters. She's been hiden under half an egg carton basically since she was put in the tank. I think she's probably just a little spooked, but is that a bad sign and is there anything I should look for if she is hurt?

Also, how much food should I give them? Should I keep their bowl stocked and let them take what they feel like they need or should I be giving them a set amount per day?

And lastly I'm worried about them possibly getting chilly in my room. I wouldn't say it's cold but it's definitely a bit chillier than the rest of my house and I don't want them to be uncomfortable. Is there any way I could help them be a more comfortable tempurature? Would they appreciate a heating pad underneath maybe or would that be too hot for them?

Thanks Smile

by AnonymousMouseOwner Tue 27 Dec 2016, 10:23 pm

Aww, poor girl, sounds like she's just stressed and scared. Let them settle in for a few days, and just make sure they have fresh water and food. They should have food available at all times, so keep their food dish well stocked.

I'd just watch for any other signs, but what you've described so far is normal "new mouse" behavior. She's just scared and worried in a strange new place, and falling probably just stressed her more.

by MooMouse Tue 27 Dec 2016, 10:59 pm

About the chilliness: Number one thing is to keep their cage off of any outside walls, that will help prevent a lot of cold from getting to them. If they are on the floor, mabye put a blanket under it to help insulate a bit? And you can put a heating pad under part of the tank(on a lower setting if possible), but make sure that it's in a spot that they can easily move away from if it gets too hot. I hope that you have fun with them!

by Peachy Wed 28 Dec 2016, 12:06 am

Welcome!!

Mice are most comfortable in temperatures as low as 65°F, so if your room doesn't get much cooler than that they should be okay, especially with extra nesting material and each other to snuggle with. If you use a heating pad, put it under half their tank on the lowest setting, with a kitchen towel or something between the pad and the glass. When I use heating pads, the mice usually get too warm and start sleeping out of the nest up against the walls.

They should have access to food at all times. Many of us monitor their bowls and fill it when it's mostly shells, this way there's less waste and we can be sure that they're not picking out their favorites.

I've had mice fall from high heights without any damage done, but you'll want to keep observing her for anything unusual. If you think she might be hurt, take her to the vet to get checked out. If you think she's just spooked, I would give her a couple days to settle down and go from there. It's amusing how quick and sneaky these little guys can be. Smile

Hopefully she'll come around. This page has some taming tips when you're ready:
http://petmousefanciers.forumotion.com/t8-handling-and-taming

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Three new mice and I'm a worried mum!

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