A Loss, and a Gain

by jubilee Thu 16 Nov 2017, 7:57 pm

Lost one, got Another?

So I adopted my mice four days ago. Phoebe, my little gold girl is actually improving in her taming quite a bit! She will crawl into my hand (after a little convincing) and sit on my shoulder. Phillis, on the other hand, continued to be wild. She refused to be anywhere near me, would run away whenever I approached the cage, and God forbid I even think of moving her! She would jump everywhere, hitting herself against the sides of the cage. I felt terrible. I was so worried she would make one wrong jump and crush all the bones in her body. So I did something painful. I returned her.

I really wish I could have done something for her. I was so concerned she would hurt herself, or run away and find my cat! I cried on the way to the pet store, feeling like an absolute loser. I only hope she will find a better owner who has lots of experience and can tame her.

While at the pet store, I decided to look around for another mouse friend for Phoebe. I didn't expect to get one immediately, just because I still felt like a loser. But suddenly I noticed this sweet brown female sleeping, and I couldn't resist! I called over the pet store guy and tried to point her out as he opened the cage and chaos ensued. As I pointed her out, a little white and grey girl came scuttling over to my hand. Then she literally CLIMBED IN IT!! I was absolutely floored. I knew I had to take her home. So I did. I took Phoebe and placed them in the tub. Phoebe was a little bit unsure of the new girl, but soon they warmed up to each other. They did have one little scuffle, so they are now on constant surveillance, but no one got hurt. Now, Little Samantha "Sam" is hanging with Phoebe. And boy is she social! She runs strait for my hands whenever I put them in the cage. I am very impressed with her behavior so far, especially for a feeder mouse! I only wish I could have done more for Phil... Worry

I just hope I made a good choice... Bad Day

by Peachy Thu 16 Nov 2017, 9:27 pm

It upsets me so much when I read of owners doing this. Mice are little lives, it's unfair to throw them away simply because they're not what you expected. We often recommend giving mice a few days to settle in before trying to work with them, and after that it can take several more days-weeks of hard work and patience for mice to tame down... but it's almost always worth it!! Please keep that in mind, I'm sure Phillis won't be the last scared mouse you encounter.

I'm glad your new girl is already friendly and outgoing, though. Smile

When introducing new mice, remember to quarantine then for three weeks first to make sure they don't have any illnesses they can spread. This also gives you a chance to bond and watch out for pregnancy.

by stephlisa Fri 17 Nov 2017, 3:28 am

Hi there,
4 days isn't really all that long for taming mice. As Peachy says it can take weeks or months for them to come round, please be aware of that for next time.
As a tip you should try take it slowly, in this case I'd suggest starting by just being by the cage talking to them until they are calm with this. Then put your hand in and let them have a sniff and just leave it there for a while. Do this for several days until they don't panic and realise you aren't a threat.

I have two boys currently. One of them will readily come out onto a hand the other one wont yet. Ive had them a couple of months now. But I'm not going to give up on Pumpkin because he's a scaredy-mouse, I know it'll just take time. Patience is a virtue when taming any animal.

I hope this doesn't sound too harsh, I know her reaction seemed bad, but sometimes you just have to take it much more slowly than you would like. Think about it from their perspective: you've taken them from their home (however bad it was), you've put then in a new cage with new smells and possibly new food etc., and then there's this big hand monster trying to get you bond with it and just so overwhelming. I know I'd panic in that situation.

by jubilee Fri 17 Nov 2017, 8:02 am

I honestly should have waited longer. Phillis was also showing aggression towards Phoebe. I tried the "put your hand in the cage" method, but she would bounce all over the walls trying to avoid it (even though it wasn't moving). My parents were the ones who really wanted me to return her, they are veterinarians and didn't want to have to deal with any blood. I didn't expect anything. Phillis wasn't happy, and Phoebe didn't like being bitten.. I don't think I will ever do something like that again though.

by Rodents rock! Fri 17 Nov 2017, 7:29 pm

How are Phoebe and Sam doing? Would love to see photos.

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