Escape Artist

by TheoMouse Sat 12 Dec 2020, 6:49 am

We have a small white mouse named Theo. Originally, I was very anti mice in general, but from day one he won my heart. He belonged to my daughters friend before coming to live with us. We have had him about 8 months and he was about a year old when we adopted him. My problem is that no matter what we do Theo is escaping from his cage. He is happy, has a wheel, an igloo house and tons of food, water and treats,but he always wants out. When he gets out he doesn’t usually go far or destroy anything and has even climbed back in a time or two when he has been caught out. Is there anything we can do to keep him contained? He is currently in a plastic and wire basic small animal cage. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

by WBCarson Sat 12 Dec 2020, 11:50 am

Mine used to backflip right out. With a cat in the house it was stressful. i used this to catch them. Very sensative but works
https://www.havahart.com/small-2-door-animal-trap
I got a large breeder aquarium with a wire lid. At night i put something heavy on top for extra insurance.
So far so good!

by TheoMouse Sat 12 Dec 2020, 1:57 pm

We have been lucky and able to find and catch him without much work. He is VERY social. I’m worried about his safety, as we have a dog and 2 cats. The aquarium is a good idea... I feel that I would have to keep something on top always. Thank you.

by chiroptera Sat 12 Dec 2020, 4:02 pm

I would recommend upgrading his enclosure to something more escape proof. DIY bin cages are cheap and secure as long as you use 1/4" wire mesh, and though I'm not a huge proponent of tanks as I don't feel they offer enough ventilation, a tank might still be a better option for Theo.

I'd also recommend giving him more enrichment in his tank. One wheel and a single hide isn't really enough for a mouse, especially a lone male. They love to have their mouse house stuffed full of toys and hides. Take a look at the housing thread for ideas. And don't fret, mouse toys don't have to be expensive - cardboard and popsicle sticks are just as loved by our mouse friends.

Good luck with Theo!

by River Sat 12 Dec 2020, 6:04 pm

^ I second that. With a bin cage you can very cheaply go as large as you want, and make the bar spacing a smaller size as that's likely how he's escaping. This will give room for more enrichment and toys, and that should keep him distracted and happy. There are a lot of tutorials on YouTube!

If you still think he could escape from a bin then a tank is an option, reptile mesh lids should keep him in. I'd go for a used 20g, as they're usually only like $15 and a lot of space for a boy. Ventilation isn't as good in a tank, but if it's cleaned regularly then it should be fine.

We also have a pretty cool DIY toy thread. Your daughter might have fun making toys out of popsicle sticks and school glue. Smile