What to watch for when I'm picking out a mouse

by RandomMouseLover05 Thu 22 Jun 2017, 12:55 pm

So I'm still not sure if I can get one, BUT I want to be fully prepared so the second I get the okay, i'll be running to my new mousey! So i'm pretty certain my only option is getting a mouse from the pet store (I've searched and searched for shelters, but the only mice I found in my entire state were two girls.) So that means I'm stuck at a petstore Crying or Very sad

(But buying the actual mouse will be the only way I support it) so what should I look out for? I want a healthy and alert mouse, since i've never owned one before, healing it would be extremely difficult for me. (I need experience) So I know that I should feel around for bumps, scratches, dry skin, hair loss, and watery eyes, but is there any other signs that would help me know if the male was happy? All tips help, thanks! Heart Eyes

by Peachy Thu 22 Jun 2017, 3:56 pm

From this page, "Bringing Your New Mouse Home":
https://www.petmousefanciers.com/t6-bringing-your-new-mouse-home

Before you buy mice from a pet store, you should check out your local shelters. You can usually find a listing of available pets on the shelter's website, or you can search for pet mice at petfinder.com.

Whether you get your mice from a pet store or the shelter, there are some things that you can watch out for to help ensure that you're bringing home a healthy mouse. Keep in mind that mice from pet stores or "backyard breeders" are NOT bred for health and it's very possible that there's a health issue you cannot see or that hasn't come up yet, such as tumors.

First, observe their enclosure. It should look clean and well-maintained, with access to clean water and without excessive feces or old food. Because wood bedding often contributes to parasites and allergies, a paper based bedding like Carefresh is ideal. Overcrowding is an issue because it can cause stress, which can contribute to health issues as well as cause fighting.

If the enclosure looks okay, the next thing for you to evaluate are the mice themselves. All of the mice should look healthy, active, and alert. They should all have bright eyes, not closed, and have no discharge coming from their eyes, nose, or anus/genitals. The coat should appear full and shiny, they should be a healthy weight, and the ears should be perky, not laid back. If even one mouse looks unhealthy, it's best to find another pet store. The other mice may simply not be showing symptoms of the illness yet.

If the enclosure and the mice have passed your inspection, the next thing for you to do is handle them. This is important because it helps you pick a mouse that is not terrified of humans. A mouse who shows curiosity towards you is likely to be easier to handle and tame, and friendly mice make better pets.

by RandomMouseLover05 Thu 22 Jun 2017, 4:11 pm

Okay i'll defiantly be sure to check for all those things! I have been doing constant research in shelters around me and have gone to a few, but none have had mice but one (Were girls). (Of course if a male mouse comes up i'll defiantly give it a chance) but most likely I'm stuck with a pet store. I'll also try that website you said, and be sure to look at that forum! Thank you!

by Peachy Thu 22 Jun 2017, 4:22 pm

I just copied and pasted what I had wrote on the other page, so no worries about the shelter part. Razz

Good luck on your mouse search!

by RandomMouseLover05 Thu 22 Jun 2017, 4:34 pm

That's absolutely perfect! Thank you so much! Heart Eyes

by AnonymousMouseOwner Thu 22 Jun 2017, 5:35 pm

Yeah, as Peachy said, no worries about that. I think most of us here have gotten mice from pet stores. Most of my mice are from pet stores - I rescued one from Craigslist. Craigslist is a great place to search too! The only downside is that the owners often want you to buy the little cage they come in, and charge you like $30 Undecided

.

by RandomMouseLover05 Thu 22 Jun 2017, 6:35 pm

What to watch for when I'm picking out a mouse Screen11

Okay thanks so much! That sounds like a good idea, I looked on craigslist and I couldn't really find any. I looked at petfinder.com and i'm really considering one of the mice, but I'm not sure if i'll get that one or not! And okay that's good to know others have done the same as well. (Buying from the pet store)

by muisjes Thu 22 Jun 2017, 7:05 pm

Hope you'll find your mouse soon. But if you get a female, please consider getting another female friend for her. They really love company for sleeping, grooming and general friendship. I have always had groups of at least 6 females together and it is so much fun seeing them enjoy each other.
Make sure they are BOTH girls or otherwise you'll find yourself with a lot of mousies.
Males are better off on their own but can become stinky when mature.

by RandomMouseLover05 Thu 22 Jun 2017, 7:15 pm

Thanks so much! And yeah defiantly, if I ever get a female, I would get a couple. I'm planning on getting a male to start off, (Since that would be my first mouse EVER!) And true, he probably will be stinky Very Happy

by Rodents rock! Thu 22 Jun 2017, 11:33 pm

My mouse, Mickey, is from PetSmart. It's always best to adopt, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting one from the pet store, they need loving homes too and it's not their fault they ended up in a pet store. My Mickey is such a sweet boy, I love him. Love

by RandomMouseLover05 Fri 23 Jun 2017, 9:54 am

Okay good, that's nice to hear. Thank you!

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