Can a male mouse be happy on his own?

Question
Hi there

We have recently had a bereavement and our five month old Fred is now all alone. We have learned a very sobering lesson from keeping two males together and don't have any desire to go there again. I would like to understand whether Fred can live happily alone and have a fulfilled life? What are the other options? Not sure I am prepared to put him through neutering and expect that finding an older or spayed female may be difficult? We live in the UK.

All thoughts very welcome. Sarah

Answer
Hi Sarah,

First, I am very sorry to hear about your loss.  It's a tough lesson for sure.  :(

Fred can absolutely live alone happily!  He really only needs you.  Neutering and spaying mice is almost never done because of their size and the risks of anesthesia.  Putting a female near him is just going to encourage him (or her) to escape.  Your best bet is to leave him alone and bond with him personally.

Your biggest challenge with a lone mouse is going to be keeping him active.  Keep a clean wheel in his enclosure if possible, and switch out his toys regularly.  An old toy can become new again just by removing it and reintroducing it a month later!  You can make a lot of jungle gyms and interesting toys at home, too.  Here's a post I wrote ages ago about DIY rodent toys that might spark some ideas!  http://tinyfurballs.blogspot.com/2010/03/diy-toys-for-rodents.html

If Fred is playing (probably mostly at night), eating, and drinking, he's likely happy.  Please let me know how he does and if you have any other questions!

Best wishes to you and Fred!
-Tam