Startup Cost? Monthly Cost?

by FrostytheSyrianHam Thu 22 Mar 2018, 11:54 pm

So I currently have a hamster, but I would like to add a single male mouse to my household. My parents only let me own one rodent at a time though. I was planning on having a ten gallon on my small cube storage thing that is beside my hamster cage. I think that they think that two rodents at once would be too expensive. I was wondering what the startup cost would be for a single male mouse and what the monthly cost of owning a mouse would be. What sort of store bought stuff would I need for him? (I would get a used 10 gallon off of kijiji for around $10 and an 8" mesh wheel for $10) Thanks in advance!

by River Fri 23 Mar 2018, 12:02 am

That depends on what you already have.

The 10 gallon will need a mesh lid. 10 gallons are usually about $10 off of cheap websites. Does the one you're getting come with a mesh lid? If not, its about $6 for one.

Other than that...all you need is toys and food! About $7 for both. I get bedding monthly and food every month and a half or so for my two girls. Mice themselves are about $3-6, depending.

Everything else, besides the wheel, can be homemade from cheap supplies at home. Just add some nontoxic hot glue to your list and you have everything you need at hone. Boxes, toilet paper rolls, paper straws, and more!

I'd also recommend having some sort of vet fund stored away, or at least build one up over time. There's no set number for this, as vet costs vary by location and individual vet

Here's an old picture to show an example of what you can make at home.

by FrostytheSyrianHam Fri 23 Mar 2018, 12:11 am

Thanks for replying so fast!I have seen more than one 10 gallon available with a mesh lid for $10-25 (sometimes even free). I haven't purchased any supplies yet as I have not gotten a yes from my step dad about a mouse although my mom said that it shouldn't be hard to convince him. I use boxo for my hamster and get 51L bags for $13. Would I need a bottle or bowl for my mouse? How much do you recommend that I save up? I always have over $100 on me because I am always given lots of money for holidays but I rarely spend it. Usually only on used books lol.

by River Fri 23 Mar 2018, 12:29 am

Yes, I forgot! As for bottles, I use the glass Kaytee water bottle but there are so many brands I couldn't guess. Food bowls are about $2, depending. Boxo is fine for mice!

I had $100 for my first mouses vet fund, too. Unless you have a persistent and difficult problem that should be fine, but it varies. My girl has a persistent skin disorder so she's at $244 so far! Laughing

I really couldn't guess what the right amount for a vet fund is. $100 seems safe enough.

by FrostytheSyrianHam Fri 23 Mar 2018, 12:32 am

OK thanks for the help! I will put aside $100 for a vet fund thanks! Sorry to hear about your girl! What does she have?

by River Fri 23 Mar 2018, 12:40 am

Of course! Someone else may come along in a few hours to add anything I forgot.

Thank you! She has a mystery, to put it simply. Her case is pretty rare, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. Wink

Good luck! Feel free to post about your hamster in the members lounge while you wait to become a mouse parent.

by FrostytheSyrianHam Fri 23 Mar 2018, 12:42 am

I have annother question lol sorry! What should I use as a hide? I was thinking of getting one of those igloos but I don't know what size or if they are good.

by River Fri 23 Mar 2018, 12:46 am

That's no problem, ask anything at any time! I use boxes (not freezer boxes, they have a waxy coating), such as tea boxes, snack boxes, etc.! You can also glue together popsicle sticks or cardboard, or buy houses from the pet section. Hides are pretty diverse, but similar to a hamsters I'd imagine. Feel free to check out our popsicle stick MES and free toy thread for inspiration! Our Housing Thread will also be helpful. Any size igloo is fine if the mouse can fit and it can fit in the cage. Mice like sleeping in enclosed spaces. I've caught one of my girls sleeping in a cardboard Dixie cup once. Love

by FrostytheSyrianHam Fri 23 Mar 2018, 12:54 am

Thanks for the tips! I am slowly reading through every thread ever poster to gain more knowledge! I asked my local PetSmart if I could try holding a mouse and they said they would let me if it isn't too busy! I have never held a mouse before, only watched them be adorable through the glass.

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