2 Mice Chasing

Question
QUESTION: hi. i got a mice( princess) i got her about 3 months ago. i started to notice that she has seened lonely. dnt run on her wheel as much and sleeps alot. so today i decided to get her a roomate another female ( Gabby) but at first they smell each other and didnt seem to mind each other. we got a new cage for them. then later on they were fighting and chancing each other.. and sqweeling. i just wanna make sure that is normal and that they will get used to each other
thanks

ANSWER: Hi Chelsea,

Yes, chasing is normal behavior - they're just trying to set up a new hierarchy in the cage.  Princess and Gabby still needs to be watched closely, though.  Chasing and squealing are alright, but biting and boxing (standing up on the hind legs and "punching" at the other mouse)can lead to injuries and infections.  For the meantime, you can put in extra decorations, play things, and hides so that they always have a place to get away from each other, as well as a wheel if you don't already have one to keep them busy and distracted.  Fighting shouldn't last more more than a week; if it does or if one starts looking weaker or beat up (look for unusual parts in the fur to find possible bite marks), they might just not be a good match.

Best of luck!
-Tam

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi again! well good new princess and Gabby are getting along so well. it only took one day. they are sleeping close together. it is so close but my issue now is with Gabby. Gabby runs away and she doesnt really like to be held she gets nervous! i was wondering how to approach the issue? thank you

Answer
Hello again,

She'll warm up to you eventually - all it takes is handling her two or three times a day for a little while and then maybe giving her a pumpkin seed or some other little treat after.  She should start to get used to the idea over the course of a couple of weeks.  :)

You might have to give Princess a treat, too, just so she doesn't get jealous!  :)

-Tam