Re: Where can we keep our mouse?

by Isamaria Sat 09 Jul 2016, 9:37 am

MouseLover wrote:I don't think that the cage/tank is too big, as long as there are no big empty spaces. Mice are kind of agoraphobic (scared of big open spaces) and they feel happier and more confident if there are lots of places to hide. So you'll want to put lots of toys and hidey places for them. You could definitely try and put a cardboard divider in there if you wanted to, but the mice might decide to chew through it haha I think it will make a lovely home for mice.

How many mice did you want? You could keep up to 8 mice in there, but 5 or 6 would probably be better. I can understand if you wanted a smaller number if it's your first mice The minimum number would be 3. But there's a chance that a smaller group might be more nervous to begin with.

I was originally wanting two or three mice, but now I'm thinking four might be better. If I'm not able to get them all at once, could I get two first and then another two later, or would that be a bad idea?

by River Sat 09 Jul 2016, 9:40 am

You could, yeah. This would make introducing them a little more difficult, but it's possible. I got Maier, and then Graham at separate times, which I definitely regret, so I'd recommend trying to get them at the same time. I'm just bad with introductions. They're scary.

by MouseLover Sat 09 Jul 2016, 10:22 am

Female mice can be introduced to each other later in life and usually get along fine. But we recommend that the new mice are kept separately from the other mice for 3 weeks for quarantine (this is to make sure that the new mice aren't carrying illnesses that could be spread to the other mice). The mice then need to be introduced on neutral territory before going into a cleaned cage. So it definitely can be done, but it would just be easier for you to get 4 at the same time.

If you want more information about introducing mice and quarantine, you can read more here: http://petmousefanciers.forumotion.com/t39-introducing-mice http://petmousefanciers.forumotion.com/t7-quarantine

by Rodents rock! Sat 09 Jul 2016, 10:50 pm

I think it would be easiest to get the total number of mice you plan on getting all at the same time. That way you don't have to worry with quarantines or introductions. Just my opinion. Smile

by Isamaria Mon 11 Jul 2016, 4:11 pm

I looked around and found something quite interesting. In Denmark (where I live) there isn't a whole lot of information about pet mice, but the one website I could find (the website of a large pet store chain) actually states that the minimum cage size for a pair or a small group of mice is 80x50 cm, which is roughly 31x19 inches. That would mean that the cage I linked too is quite close to their minimum, but is actually a bit to small. But now people in here is telling me it'll be to big to begin with. This seems very odd to me, and I don't know who to believe.

by AnonONIagent Mon 11 Jul 2016, 4:17 pm

There's a lot of conflicting info out there, but it's generally agreed upon that a 10 gallon tank or something else of equivalent size is the minimum for either one buck or three girls. The cage you selected should be fine.

by River Mon 11 Jul 2016, 4:58 pm

There are a lot of people who even say 360 square inches is the minimum housing for even one mouse - which is just crazy, since that's the minimum for Syrian hamsters! There's a lot of wrong, conflicting information online, but generally, we say 200 square inches and we've never had any problems with that amount of space, and our mice are very happy.

by Artistwolf Mon 11 Jul 2016, 5:34 pm

Well the thing is, a lot of people don't seem to understand that mice are very different than hamsters! Like, sure, even small hamsters need 360 square inches, but that doesn't really mean anything when you're talking about mice. Just like how in the fish world, mollies need 20 gallons at least, while rasboras only need around 10. You can't translate between species! Anyway, it's been scientifically proven that mice are fine (and even feel more secure) in 200 square inches.

Sorry, rant over.

by MouseLover Mon 11 Jul 2016, 6:31 pm

80 x 50 is the recommended size for syrian hamsters here. Mice and hamsters are very different. With hamsters you pretty much can't go too big. Mice are more confident in smaller spaces and very big spaces can be stressful for them. I think the cage you picked would be a really nice size.

by River Mon 11 Jul 2016, 6:44 pm

Question, can tanks be kept in front of windows? Mine are weather tight and tinted, because Florida and its heat issues, would this be OK? I've heard mixed answers about this.

by Isamaria Tue 12 Jul 2016, 5:27 pm

I've just heard that they can't stand in a draft and direct sunlight

by CallaLily Tue 12 Jul 2016, 6:02 pm

I personally wouldn't put them directly in front of a window. It can cause sudden temperature changes which aren't good. Tanks can heat up surprisingly fast that way.

by River Tue 12 Jul 2016, 6:31 pm

Oh I see. I run a fan at all times, and the windows are 'weather tight, protected from heat and cold' + I have dark curtains so I would've thought it was safe. I'll see about changing their location.

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