Friend for my hand-raised deer mouse

Question
Hi,
 I raised a deer mouse (with your help) from the time it was 6 days old, and, at almost 2 months old, he (Ace) is doing great.  He is one cool mouse - loves to be held and petted and enjoys all sorts of play.  Even though he's imprinted on me, I hate for him to be alone so much.  Would it make sense to try to get another mouse from the pet store for company for him, or would that be a bad idea?  Your advice would be appreciated as usual.  Thanks.

Answer
Dear Travis,

I'm so happy to hear that your mousie has flourished under your careful care! I'm sure he is a cool mouse. He will also live longer than mice you can buy as pets. I have heard 8 years.... but I would count on more like 2 1/2.

If Ace is a boy, unfortunately he is out of luck, unless you neuter him or get a neutered male or female. Neutering a mouse isn't a simple task, and you would have to find a very experienced mouse vet. Male mice simply usually can't live together-- they will fight to the death. Sorry, Ace!

However, it sounds to me like you give him a ton of love. I always recommend at the very least an hour a day of intense, loving person-time, for a single mouse. Face time, body, clothing, sleeve/shoulder time, etc. More is always better. I'm quite sure he is a very happy mouse.

Enjoy him! I love to hear success stories with the little wild ones. I also want people to write when they die, so I can learn, but its great to hear when they live.

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha

PS if you would like to meet my mice and rats, including mouse-sized dwarf rats, check out this video:

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150091824234803

There will be a follow-up very soon. Feel free to friend me. Just let me know who you are.

<:3  )--~