Can I introduce one mouse to three?

by jess32247 Mon 22 May 2017, 9:59 pm

Hi again everyone. Smile

With my girl Chub being deemed healthy, my boyfriend and I are tossing around the idea of getting another mouse to add to our group of three. We're wondering if that would be possible to do? Or would a group of three not be accepting of just one mouse? I'm upgrading there 10g tank to a 20g tank on wensday so I'm thinking it would be a ideal time to give it a try.

by Peachy Mon 22 May 2017, 10:04 pm

You can definitely introduce one to three. You do it the same way as you would any other intro: neutral territory for 20-30 minutes, then into the neutral tank.

A 20 gallon let's you have 5 though, so you could get two... then no one has to go through quarantine and introductions alone. Smile

by jess32247 Mon 22 May 2017, 11:15 pm

Thanks so much for your input! Now that we know that, we're considering getting two of them. Why not right!

We tried to introduce my other group to them a couple months ago but it didn't work out very well and had to separate them a few days later. I don't think I introduced them right but this time around I know better. Does that mean my group of three is too bonded to only each other or is it a wait and see how it goes situation?

by Peachy Mon 22 May 2017, 11:48 pm

Sometimes personalities really don't mesh, but more often we just don't give them enough time to settle down and work out the hierarchy. It's absolutely essential that when you introduce them you don't break them up, separate them, or intervene in any other way unless there's blood. Stopping them from working things out can make them frustrated and lead to worse behaviors.

What was the problem with the last group, and how did you introduce them? I'd give it a go and just keep in mind that chasing, tumbling around, squeaking, etc is all normal and can take a couple weeks to calm down.

Another thought, when you have them in neutral territory (before the tank), if they're not getting along, playing, and snuggling together by the end of 20-30 minutes, it's okay to separate them and try again the next day. This way they can part before anything dramatic happens and build up to living together.

by jess32247 Tue 23 May 2017, 12:34 am

Hmm, maybe I was introducing them the right way then? I was switching toys back and forth for a few days before they met then introduced them in neutral territory for a few minutes a day. I put them in the new tank together but my older frail mouse was being picked on pretty bad (bad enough for her backside to be covered in bites and scabs). Her two daughters didn't want to get along with the other group so I separated them for good to keep the peace. The two daughters are the least social of the mice I have, maybe that had something to do with it?

by scaredymouse Tue 23 May 2017, 4:48 am

Yep, not the right way! But you'll do it different this time, just follow the steps in our section on introductions. Things should go better!

https://www.petmousefanciers.com/t19-keeping-mice-together-introducing-them

by Peachy Tue 23 May 2017, 8:43 am

Yeah, you only want to send them back home if they haven't even tried to get along. I only mentioned it because you said your last one was rough, not trying to be confusing! lol Relentless chasing, tail rattling, nipping, getting themselves into a ball of scuffles are signs that they need more time. Humping, squeaking at each other, mild chasing, sniffing, grooming, snuggling are normal during introductions and signs that they're doing okay.

For most mice it isn't necessary to send them to their separate homes again, but occasionally you get a rough personality that needs time. Plan on sending them home together, and sending them home separate as a back up.

by jess32247 Wed 24 May 2017, 2:48 pm

I was hoping only to get one or two mice but I came home with three, oops. I couldn't leave one of them by themselves at the store, I bet a lot of you guys know that feeling haha. I'm hoping they do okay in the 20 gallon tank together, I'm crossing my fingers!

I'm leaving to pick up the 20g tank now- from what I've read, I should put only neutral toys in the tank and let them work it out unless things get too rough? I have a couple new toys I plan on putting in and I cleaned a bunch of older toys my group hasnt seen in a while so I'm planning on using those.
How does that sound so far?

by jess32247 Wed 24 May 2017, 6:55 pm

I've had them all in the same cage together for about 15 minutes now and I think everything is going alright! Statin and Chub are doing good with the three new mice but Grey is the one doing most of the chasing and nipping. I'm guessing shes trying to sort out her dominance?

I have one food bowl and one water bottle in there cage, is that okay? Or should I put two of each in?

by scaredymouse Wed 24 May 2017, 7:53 pm

Well, what's done is done. But new mice should be kept in quarantine for three weeks before introductions for a bunch of reasons! It's all outlined in the link i posted earlier in this thread.

Separating them at this point won't make a difference. One water bottle and food dish are fine. Don't separate unless you see blood.

For future reference, you should read the link i posted on introduction.

by Sponsored content

Can I introduce one mouse to three?

Can I introduce one mouse to three?

Re: Can I introduce one mouse to three?

Re: Can I introduce one mouse to three?

Re: Can I introduce one mouse to three?

Re: Can I introduce one mouse to three?

Re: Can I introduce one mouse to three?

Re: Can I introduce one mouse to three?

Re: Can I introduce one mouse to three?

Re: Can I introduce one mouse to three?

Re: Can I introduce one mouse to three?

Re: Can I introduce one mouse to three?