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3 new mice

21 15:18:40

Question

Daisy
Dear Tamarah,
I got 3 female mice today and i was just wondering if there were ant tips you could give me to help them live long happy &healthy lives.
I have had one mouse when i was extremely young but i have mostly only had rats.i've had more than 30 and im only 13! one of the 3 rats i had gotten was mis sexed -.- so they just kept multiplying HeeHee we finally got the sense to separate them. ANYWAYS to get back on topic i know the basics but i just need any extra little tips on caring for them.

Answer
Hi Chloe,

What a cutie Daisy is!!  This is kind of a big question, so bear with me while I cover the basics:

If you want to double-check their sexes (since petshops are notorious for getting it not-quite-right), you can check out this page for photos and help:  http://www.thefunmouse.com/info/sexing.cfm

Mice don't need vitamins, but a good, rounded diet would include a mixed food labeled for mice with occasional treats of pumpkin seeds, millet sprays, sunflower seeds, yogies, cheerios, and just about anything you would give a rat for a treat.  They'll regulate their own intake, so make sure food and water are available 24-7.

Make sure the cage you house them in is large enough for everyone and that its bars are close enough together that no heads can squeeze through them.  If their head can fit through them, the rest of them can!  The cage also needs a hide so they can feel secure.  Changing it once a week will keep the smell down, and beddings like carefresh, yesterday's news, or aspen (no pine or cedar!) are absorbent, fun options for them to play in.  Make sure to clean their toys each time you clean the cage, and to frequently replace any absorbent toys like wooden ones that might harbor bacteria.

Mice are prey animals, and therefore will not show signs of illness until it is already serious.  Therefore, I can't stress enough how important it is that you address any issues that might arise immediately.  Just like any other pet, keep a vet number on hand for emergencies.  Hopefully it won't come up (knock on wood)!

Basically, that's it.  Many of the same issues for rats apply to mice.  They need food, water, safe bedding and toys, an escape- and chew-proof cage, and lots of love and playtime!  With a little luck and a lot of care, they can easily live to be 2-3 years old.  Congrats on your new pets, and let me know if you need help with anything else!  :)

-Tam