new mouse mom with a question :)
+6
River
CallaLily
AnonONIagent
EverythingAnimal
Mouseketeers
Emme
10 posters
Page 1 of 2
Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2 
new mouse mom with a question :)
by Emme Sun 09 Oct 2016, 11:01 pm
Hi everyone 
I'm new here and a new mouse parent! I'm trying to learn as much as I can because mice completely new to me, as I'm generally a reptile person.
I got my 5 new little girls from a friend after she decided they weren't for her. I named them Fiona, Madison, Addy, Queenie, and Zoe. I got them a 75 gallon tank during the petco tank sale, and things are going pretty well, but I'm having a bit of an issue with Fiona. Just from watching her interactions she seems to be the "alpha" of my little mischief, but I feel like maybe she's taking it too far. She constantly picks on Zoe and makes her squeak, and she does this with Madison to a lesser extent. I've also noticed that anytime any of the other mice come out from under the bedding or hides Fiona chases them back into hiding. Like I said, I've never had mice and know basically nothing about them, so I don't know if I'm overreacting or not. Is there any way I could fix this behavior? It makes me feel bad for the others :/
I'm new here and a new mouse parent! I'm trying to learn as much as I can because mice completely new to me, as I'm generally a reptile person.
I got my 5 new little girls from a friend after she decided they weren't for her. I named them Fiona, Madison, Addy, Queenie, and Zoe. I got them a 75 gallon tank during the petco tank sale, and things are going pretty well, but I'm having a bit of an issue with Fiona. Just from watching her interactions she seems to be the "alpha" of my little mischief, but I feel like maybe she's taking it too far. She constantly picks on Zoe and makes her squeak, and she does this with Madison to a lesser extent. I've also noticed that anytime any of the other mice come out from under the bedding or hides Fiona chases them back into hiding. Like I said, I've never had mice and know basically nothing about them, so I don't know if I'm overreacting or not. Is there any way I could fix this behavior? It makes me feel bad for the others :/
Emme- New Member
- Join date : 2016-10-09
Posts : 4
Re: new mouse mom with a question :)
by Mouseketeers Mon 10 Oct 2016, 12:09 am
Hi! Welcome to the forums
Mice can have pretty intense hierarchy's. A group of five girls can be especially tricky, but not impossible. I would avoid doing anything crazy just yet. Give them plenty of time and space to work things out.
Most people will suggest packing the cage full of stuff to do, lots of hides and room for the bullied mice to escape to. This works well and helps the ones being picked on escape and have somewhere to hide. However eventually they will need to sort their issues out and figure out where they belong in the group. So expect to see them squeaking and chasing for a little while.
The common rule of thumb is if there isn't any blood being spilled then it is just them working out who is boss.
In the past with a super bossy doe I have gone the opposite and pulled everything out of their cage, including hides and wheels. Everything but a water bottle ( or three ) depending on how possessive boss doe is. I don't even have feed bowls to begin with. Really really deep bedding that allows them to tunnel and build nice warm nests to stay hidden in. Their feed gets scattered through the entire cage giving them something to hunt for. Once they start sharing a nest I start giving them their toys back.
However at the end of the day, if it is just some chasing, tousling and squeaking it will generally be ok. Sometimes it takes a week or two. Mice who won't play well with others are far and few between, 99% of the time it is just them working things out amongst each other.
Mice can have pretty intense hierarchy's. A group of five girls can be especially tricky, but not impossible. I would avoid doing anything crazy just yet. Give them plenty of time and space to work things out.
Most people will suggest packing the cage full of stuff to do, lots of hides and room for the bullied mice to escape to. This works well and helps the ones being picked on escape and have somewhere to hide. However eventually they will need to sort their issues out and figure out where they belong in the group. So expect to see them squeaking and chasing for a little while.
The common rule of thumb is if there isn't any blood being spilled then it is just them working out who is boss.
In the past with a super bossy doe I have gone the opposite and pulled everything out of their cage, including hides and wheels. Everything but a water bottle ( or three ) depending on how possessive boss doe is. I don't even have feed bowls to begin with. Really really deep bedding that allows them to tunnel and build nice warm nests to stay hidden in. Their feed gets scattered through the entire cage giving them something to hunt for. Once they start sharing a nest I start giving them their toys back.
However at the end of the day, if it is just some chasing, tousling and squeaking it will generally be ok. Sometimes it takes a week or two. Mice who won't play well with others are far and few between, 99% of the time it is just them working things out amongst each other.
Mouseketeers- Sr Member
- Join date : 2016-04-11
Posts : 139
-
Re: new mouse mom with a question :)
by EverythingAnimal Mon 10 Oct 2016, 10:22 am
Welcome! I agree that it will be best to just let them work it out is it's not progressing into drawn blood. A 75 gallon is huge! We'd love to see pictures.
_________________
One male mouse, Willie!
Rainbow Bridge:Merci, Astra, Ellie, Suzie (Suzers), Millie, Cece and Terri.
EverythingAnimal- Sr Member
- Join date : 2016-04-02
Posts : 320
Re: new mouse mom with a question :)
by AnonONIagent Mon 10 Oct 2016, 11:20 am
I agree with what was stated above, but I also have something to add. 75 gallons is a lot of space for five girls, and it'll make it easier for them to claim their own territory, making the introduction process more difficult. It might be worth it to move them into a small space temporarily so that they have less to fight over.
_________________
"Heralds of the coming doom, by cry of raven, we are drawn. This oath of war and vengeance, on blade of exalted iron sworn. With blood-anointed swords aloft, advance we into dread's dark shade. Punishment divine unleashed with hate, a wrathful storm of bolt and blade. Purge with plasma, fist, and shell; bring cleansing fire's righteous breath. For the Emperor, knights of Caliban! The Lion's anointed Angels of Death! No forgiveness. No retreat."
My current mice: Sally (PEW), Selina (Broken Black), and Olivia (Broken Tricolor)
Rainbow bridge: Molly (PEW), Lucy (Brindle), and Sarah (PEW)
AnonONIagent- Sr Member
- Join date : 2016-06-30
Posts : 366
-
Re: new mouse mom with a question :)
by Emme Mon 10 Oct 2016, 11:43 am
I initially had them in a 40 gallon tank and saw the same behavior. I don't really have anything smaller than a 40 to put them in.
I did notice that they have all been sleeping in the same nest together. So that's a good sign right? No one has been physically injured so I'm guessing things aren't as bad as they seem to me.
I did notice that they have all been sleeping in the same nest together. So that's a good sign right? No one has been physically injured so I'm guessing things aren't as bad as they seem to me.
Emme- New Member
- Join date : 2016-10-09
Posts : 4
Re: new mouse mom with a question :)
by AnonONIagent Mon 10 Oct 2016, 11:46 am
Moving them back into the 40 gallon might be a good idea for right now.
And yes, them sleeping together in the same pile is a good sign. And it is rarely is bad as we think; the first night Selina stayed in the cage with my two other girls, she was literally screeching the whole night long. But everything ended up fine.
And yes, them sleeping together in the same pile is a good sign. And it is rarely is bad as we think; the first night Selina stayed in the cage with my two other girls, she was literally screeching the whole night long. But everything ended up fine.
_________________
"Heralds of the coming doom, by cry of raven, we are drawn. This oath of war and vengeance, on blade of exalted iron sworn. With blood-anointed swords aloft, advance we into dread's dark shade. Punishment divine unleashed with hate, a wrathful storm of bolt and blade. Purge with plasma, fist, and shell; bring cleansing fire's righteous breath. For the Emperor, knights of Caliban! The Lion's anointed Angels of Death! No forgiveness. No retreat."
My current mice: Sally (PEW), Selina (Broken Black), and Olivia (Broken Tricolor)
Rainbow bridge: Molly (PEW), Lucy (Brindle), and Sarah (PEW)
AnonONIagent- Sr Member
- Join date : 2016-06-30
Posts : 366
-
CallaLily- Hero Member
- Join date : 2016-04-03
Posts : 3937
Re: new mouse mom with a question :)
by River Mon 10 Oct 2016, 5:06 pm
If they were already in the 40 gallon with the same behavior, I wouldn't move them again. A lot of moving is stressful, especially if it's pointless.
_________________
Goose & Otter* ♂Â
Remembering Mr. Bald ♂, Tipsy, Topsy, Maier, Graham & Garcia ♀
*Neutered male group. Do not house intact males together.*
Remembering Mr. Bald ♂, Tipsy, Topsy, Maier, Graham & Garcia ♀
*Neutered male group. Do not house intact males together.*
River- Hero Member
- Join date : 2016-06-19
Posts : 1486
Peachy- Moderator
- Join date : 2016-04-06
Posts : 3164
Re: new mouse mom with a question :)
by Emme Mon 10 Oct 2016, 10:09 pm
There has been a definite improvement in Fiona's behavior tonight. Â She still chases the others some, but it's not nearly what it was. It's really nice to see all of my girls out more.
Here's a picture of their 75 for those curious. Â Zoe is blur running past the pink frog hide. Â And of course I always welcome constructive criticism!
Here's a picture of their 75 for those curious. Â Zoe is blur running past the pink frog hide. Â And of course I always welcome constructive criticism!
Emme- New Member
- Join date : 2016-10-09
Posts : 4
Re: new mouse mom with a question :)
by CallaLily Tue 11 Oct 2016, 8:52 am
Looks like a lot of fun! I love your solution for hanging things. Are the rods permantly fixed or can they be moved around?
CallaLily- Hero Member
- Join date : 2016-04-03
Posts : 3937
Re: new mouse mom with a question :)
by Misha_usa Tue 11 Oct 2016, 2:01 pm
Welcome to the forum!
I'm glad Zoe's temper is calming a little bit. Surely they'll all gradually feel more comfortable together, then fit into their own roles as they grow accostumed to eachother.
Love their home, sure they have lots of possibilities to play with
I'm glad Zoe's temper is calming a little bit. Surely they'll all gradually feel more comfortable together, then fit into their own roles as they grow accostumed to eachother.
Love their home, sure they have lots of possibilities to play with
Misha_usa- Jr Member
- Join date : 2016-10-09
Posts : 26
Re: new mouse mom with a question :)
by Emme Wed 12 Oct 2016, 9:34 pm
CallaLily wrote:Looks like a lot of fun! Â I love your solution for hanging things. Are the rods permantly fixed or can they be moved around?
I can move them around. Â I just bought like $2 tension rods from walmart and they work perfectly!
So, does anyone have suggestions about what would be the best store bought food to feed my girls? Â I have a dwarf hamster that I feed Higgins Sunburst as seed mix, and I've been using that for my mice with the sunflower seeds and peanuts picked out. Â is this an ok diet or is there something better? Â I generally try to stay away from artificial colors and such if possible, but it's not a requirement.
ETA: I also pick out the raisin pieces.
Emme- New Member
- Join date : 2016-10-09
Posts : 4
Re: new mouse mom with a question :)
by MouseLover Thu 13 Oct 2016, 9:01 am
Welcome to the forum I love your tank set up, it looks great! I also love the girl's names (that was my favourite season of AHS).
I'm not familiar with the mix you're referring to, but if it's marketed as a hamster mix, then the protein may be a little too high for mice. I'm in the UK though, so I'll let someone from your side of the pond recommend a food mix
I love your tank set up, it looks great! I also love the girl's names (that was my favourite season of AHS).I'm not familiar with the mix you're referring to, but if it's marketed as a hamster mix, then the protein may be a little too high for mice. I'm in the UK though, so I'll let someone from your side of the pond recommend a food mix
_________________
Current Mice: None.
Rainbow Bridge: Daisy, Peach, Ivy, Penelope, Hazel, Ruby, Clover, Peanut, Minnie, Ginger, Â Honey, Violet, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather.
MouseLover- Hero Member
- Join date : 2016-04-12
Posts : 1462
-
Re: new mouse mom with a question :)
by CallaLily Thu 13 Oct 2016, 9:05 am
The most commonly recommended brands on this forum are Brown's Tropical Carnival Hamster/Gerbil and Vitakraft parakeet food. However these do contain artificial colors, if you prefer to avoid those. They also need things like sunflower seeds and peanuts removed. I'll also note that a couple members here had trouble with bags of Brown's food being moldy, though it doesn't seem to be a widespread problem.
I used to feed my mice Healthy Select Parakeet food because I wanted to avoid picking things out and artificial colors/flavors.
The ingredients in the Higgins food you're using look ok but it is a bit high on crude protein at 15%. For mice with untracked lines, 12-14% crude protein is usually what's recommended.
I used to feed my mice Healthy Select Parakeet food because I wanted to avoid picking things out and artificial colors/flavors.
The ingredients in the Higgins food you're using look ok but it is a bit high on crude protein at 15%. For mice with untracked lines, 12-14% crude protein is usually what's recommended.
CallaLily- Hero Member
- Join date : 2016-04-03
Posts : 3937
Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2
Similar topics» baby mouse age when put with other mice question, colony size question
» older mouse question
» Appox. 5 day old baby mouse turning over to wildlife rehab -question
» Question?
» Wild Mouse/Mice care and information
» older mouse question
» Appox. 5 day old baby mouse turning over to wildlife rehab -question
» Question?
» Wild Mouse/Mice care and information
Page 1 of 2
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum|
|
|
