Mouse scratching

Question
I noticed that my mouse has been scratching his ear and under it's right eye then after a couple of weeks his eye started to turn red it looks like it is bleeding but he keeps on scratching it I don't know what the problem is what should I do.

It also has been sleeping in strange places like his washroom/where he poohs' and pee's, outside of the cage on top of this mini cardboard box and in his food bowl he digs out the food then sleeps in it. I thought this was really unusual.

Details: it is a black colored mouse and it lives alone.

Answer
Dear Miriam,

There are various reasons for an itchy mouse, the most common being mites and allergies.  The first, best bet is always to take the mouse to the vet to be checked.  Often a vet can look at a skin sample under a microscope to see the mites, or figure out what else it might be.  Also, a vet has better remedies than you can find over the counter.

As for allergies, ask yourself, has anything changed near or in his cage recently? Different bedding? Different food? Air fresheners or other chemicals in the air?

If you can't get the mouse to the vet, here is a link to a post where I explained how to obtain and use an over the counter parasite spray.  Please read carefully. Links are included to find the product online:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Mice-3824/2010/3/Itchy-Mouse-treating-mites.htm

Best of luck and health to your little mouse.

squeaks,

Natasha