Rescuing Old Breeder Mice?

by SkywalkerSyd Fri 21 Jul 2017, 5:13 pm

Hey guys!

Recently I've been thinking about my spare 10 gallon tank that I have laying around collecting dust, and the fact that I already have all the supplies to care for mice laying around due to my trio of girlies that I already have.

I volunteer at an Owl Breeding Program for an endangered owl species and most of my duties revolve around caring for the mice and rats that will eventually be food (this is where I adopted Bird from after circumstances came up).

Occasionally they will have a female mice that just aren't having litters anymore and they are euthanized as a result due to limited funding and resources for the program. But I have been thinking recently about offering to take in any older females and caring for them instead of having them put down.

But I was wondering if this is a good idea for the mice as they will be older, not hand tamed in the slightest, and will have had multiple litters throughout their lives. I am aware that these mice I take in may not be with me for a long time and it would essentially be a retirement home.

I'm worried that if one female mouse continues to live longer than her cage mates over and over again, is that healthy for her mentally and emotionally?

Any comments or tips in regards to this idea would be great as you all are more knowledgeable about mice than me!

by CallaLily Fri 21 Jul 2017, 6:29 pm

I think even an untamed mouse would enjoy a sweet retirement in their golden days. How often does something like this happen? If you have the room, supplies, time, and money that may be required - I say go for it.

I think the risk of one girl outliving many roomates is a (small) risk that comes with keeping female mice anyway. They can get depressed when they lose friends, but most usually bounce back if they have other buddies around.

by Rodents rock! Fri 21 Jul 2017, 8:20 pm

I think that is a wonderful and very thoughtful thing to do and I'm sure the mice will enjoy living out their lives in a good loving home being spoiled Very Happy