Mice

Question
Hi,
I just bought two mice from Pet-co today they are to give another mouse I own company. However I have realized a huge difference between the two I got today, and the one I already own. The two I got today have bright green stools and they are runny as well, so I have been feeding them sunflower seeds and dried corn to give them more nutrition, along with veriety of other seeds. I'm not sure what they fed them at pet-co, but they are also not as active as my other mouse i have owned. Could it be that they are less active due to a new cage? I find this odd as I have owned mice from Pet-co before and have never seen this.

Answer
Hi Michelle,

Whenever you bring home new mice, it is a great idea to quarantine them in their own cage for three weeks.  This lets them settle in, lets you get a feel for their personalities, and prevents them from bringing home any diseases from the shop to your current mouse.  Obviously, if they are already together, there isn't a way to do that now, but just for future reference, it's definitely an easy way to spot health problems before they have the potential to spread.

In answer to your question, moves are tough on mice!  If their diet was switched, it can take a few days for their poop to go back to normal.  If it continues BEYOND the first few days, however, or if they become dehydrated, it could be a sign of a medical issue that might need seen by a veterinarian.  I recommend a commercial pellet-based mix or lab block diet labeled for mice - seeds are very high in fat and protein and corn isn't very useful nutritionally speaking, so a seed diet on its own will not be sufficient.  Remember to make any changes in diet gradual over several days, to prevent worsening the loose stools.

Their inactivity could be one of two things.  The first possibility is that they are simply adjusting to their new home.  It can take them up to two or three weeks to really get acclimated and behave normally, especially if there are new stresses like a new cagemate, lots of handling or predators in the home.  The second possibility is illness.  If they brought home a sickness from the shop, particularly if it is related to the loose, green stools, they may be laying around more because they feel bad.  My suggestion if it has not improved since writing your question is to separate them, get them on a pellet or block diet, and if they do not improve or if you see ANY sign of decline get them to a vet for some medicine.  Signs to worry about would be messy, greasy fur, a hunched posture, dull eyes, loose skin, clicking or frequent sneezing, more lethargy, low appetite or thirst, and apparent weight loss.

Best of luck, and let me know if there is anything else I can help out with!
-Tam