Sneezing, Chattering Sick Mice

Question
Hello,

I recently purchased two female mice from Petco. I have always wanted mice, and was very happy to have them.

About the second day after I noticed by brown mouse was sneezing. She is smaller of the two and less active, and less friendly.

My black mouse is very active, very friendly, and while she is not sneezing or really showing any signs of being sick, I can hear her chatter and chirp in my hand at times, which I read is a sign of being sick.

At this time I am unable to find a vet in my area to take the mice too.

I had read in other answer you gave about giving the mice tetracycline or baytril. I wanted to ask if you recommended that for my situation?

I also use Comfort Care bedding, which appears to be a form of paper bedding.

Answer
Dear Robert,

Yes, please give the mice antibiotics.  I've given instructions for Tetracycline; usually you can only get Baytril from a vet.  

You can get Tetracycline from the FISH section of the pet store. It comes in capsules, powder, or tablets.

You are going to put some in the water bottle and try to get an initial dose inside each mouse.  

If you have the capsules, empty one capsule into a large water bottle or one half into a small one.  Shake extremely well.  If you have the powder,  1/4 flat teaspoon measure is the same as 1 capsule.  If you have the tablets, completely crush them into fine powder with the back of a spoon and use as powder.   This should be the mouse's only water source.  It's fine for any other mice to drink the water too. Cover the water bottle with tin foil because the medication is sensitive to light.  Change every few days for ten days.

Next, take another capsule worth and mix it with one drop of water.  This will make a paste about the consistency of mustard.    You have plenty to play with, so if the mixture is too watery, try again.  Now pick up the mouse by the scruff of the neck.  This is the skin just behind its head.  This does not hurt it-- it's how its mama used to carry it-- but it will struggle valiantly.   Holding it gently but firmly,  quickly place a small amount into its now open mouth.  This is hard.  Be careful of its nose!  Wipe a bit more onto its whiskers and chin.  It will ingest that when it washes itself.  If you couldn't get any inside it at all, wipe some more on its head and sides.  Put it back into the cage so it will wash itself.

Then treat mouse #2, even though her symptoms aren't as bad.

I wish your mice good luck and good health.  This solution has saved many, many a mouse life.

squeaks,

Natasha