New mouse mommy!

by Rodents rock! Mon 27 Jun 2016, 5:25 pm

Hello - I'm a new mouse mommy! I've had rodents for years, but never a mouse till now. I've had rats, a hamster, and gerbils. I currently have 2 gerbils - Pip & Pup, 2 very sweet boys! I now have a male mouse - got him about a week and a half ago. He is a cutie. I originally named him Harvey - but it just didn't fit him, so now his name is Mickey! Fits him better. Smile

Any advice on gaining his trust will be much appreciated. He will take food from me, but other then that he is very curious, but a little fearful. Also, I want to make him some things out of popsicle sticks - can anyone recommend a safe glue for that? Thanks!

by CinnamonPearl Mon 27 Jun 2016, 5:38 pm

Welcome to the forum!

For taming him, it's best to avoid using treats. Otherwise he'll start to see you as just a food dispenser and may even bite. Try doing bathtub taming sessions daily with him. He should perk right up. For MESs, any non-toxic glue is fine. Most of us use nontoxic hot glue, but some use elmer's.

Here are some helpful links. Best of luck with Mickey!

http://petmousefanciers.forumotion.com/t8-taming-handling-mice

http://petmousefanciers.forumotion.com/t47-popsicle-stick-mes

by River Mon 27 Jun 2016, 5:40 pm

Taking food from you seems like a great start! Safe glues are both Elmers school glue, which takes ages to dry and doesn't hold as well, and clear, non-toxic hot glue.
I usually just sit my hand in the cage for a while and eventually, they'll come to me. If not, I take everything out of the cage - hides, wheels, toys, etc. - and leave my hand there so they have little else to focus on besides me. However, I can't say much as only one of my girls is tamed so far.

by Rodents rock! Mon 27 Jun 2016, 5:46 pm

Thank you both for your tips, I appreciate it!

by Peachy Mon 27 Jun 2016, 5:48 pm

Welcome to you and Mickey! I adopted two female gerbils from a rescue but they passed about a year ago, I would love to try boys next time. I always had so much fun with them.

Curiosity is the best start to bonding, I can't imagine you'll have much more trouble. I'd love to see pictures if you have any.

by Rodents rock! Mon 27 Jun 2016, 5:57 pm

Thank you. I got Pip from the Humane Society. I didn't want him to be alone, so I got a baby from a breeder and named him Pup. Pip loved Pup from the get go! That is his baby. I've had them for a little over 2 years now, I love them!

I don't have any pictures of Mickey yet, but I will try to get some soon. Smile

by Peachy Mon 27 Jun 2016, 6:10 pm

That's so sweet! I wonder if my interest in male gerbils has anything to do with male mice needing their space. Wink

Can't wait for pictures!

by MouseLover Mon 27 Jun 2016, 8:39 pm

Welcome! I've always wanted a mouse called Mickey Very Happy

All you need to tame him is time and persistence - just keep handling him and playing with him regularly and he'll learn to trust you. He's already curious of you so that's a great start Smile

by Rodents rock! Mon 27 Jun 2016, 8:45 pm

MouseLover wrote:Welcome! I've always wanted a mouse called Mickey
All you need to tame him is time and persistence - just keep handling him and playing with him regularly and he'll learn to trust you. He's already curious of you so that's a great start

Thank you! Smile

I will keep on interacting with Mickey. He is so fun and interesting to watch. Sometimes I just have to laugh at how cute his antics are. Laughing