Should I get mouse a roomie?

Question

Zula Voltron   QUESTION: Hello;

One of my professors gave me a single female mouse today. She was supposed to be food for his son's pet snake, but got too old before the "feeding." He was keeping her in a tank in his office, but didn't want her there anymore because she was alone for the weekends. He offered her to me (since I often would go in there to pick her up and play with her) and now I have her set up in a habit-rail.

I have had dwarf hamsters before, both single and in pairs, and have seen no behavior differences. But, as I read more on mice, it seems they may be more social than hamsters. Is this social-need something I should be concerned over?  She seems healthy, with a very pretty silvery-grey coat, and is still small and young. I think she may be 4 months old.

I am not sure how happy she is here because she has bitten me twice (she did not do this in the office before) and is scared to go up and down (especially down) the tubes. I think that she is just trying to adjust to her new environment.

If you do think she should get a roomie, how long should I give her to adjust to her new home before introducing a new friend? It sure seems like a lot for her to go through--new home, new cage, new people around, and people around more often, *and* a new friend...  I don't want to injure my chances of a happy relationship with her, but I am worried that without a female mouse-companion she will get lonely while I am at school or work.

Please advise if possible. And, thank you in advance!
Happy Early Valentine's Day!
-Heather

ANSWER: Dear Heather,

Thanks for caring about the little mouse! You are absolutely right-- she needs a friend.  Two would be even better:  I always keep at least three mice together so that when one dies, the others have each other and don't get as depressed.  Give her a week to get used to her cage.  Is is big enough to be fun even if she doesn't use the tubes?  The new mice will probably figure out the tubes, and she may learn from them, but it's possible she will never like the tubes.  Do they lead to something yummy?  That's always a good idea.

When you get the new mice/mouse, make sure the whole cage is completely clean- insides of the tubes too- so nobody has a home advantage.  Dab a little REAL vanilla on their rumps and chins so they smell the same.  Expect chasing and squeaking, but if there is blood, they need to be separated.  Females usually get along quite well, even with the occasional chase to remind the underlings who's boss. Squeaking does not mean pain-- it's just communication.

Best of luck and have fun with your little friends!  And Happy Valentines Day to you too : ))

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha


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

QUESTION: Thank you so much. I will start looking for a roomie for her. She is more active today. I think her cage is big enough, even without the tubes. But just to be sure, what is the standard size for multiples? If I get her two companions, how much extra space should I allot?

Answer
Dear Heather,

Two or three mice don't take up a lot more room than one.  For one to three mice my smallest recommended cage would be a ten gallon tank (something smaller like an 8x12 inch plastic cage is fine for short term or travel).  The bigger the better; mice enjoy territories of several miles in the wild, and they get bored with a small cage and the very few toys that can fit in it.  My three mice enjoy a 30 gallon tank right now; the same size would be appropriate for a dozen mice too.  

Have fun : ))

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha