Getting male a new cage mate

Question
I have a mouse that has been living by himself for almost three months now because I was making 100% sure that he didn't have the disease that some of my other mice from petco were getting. Once his cage mate died (one of my original mice) I kept him by himself for quite some time. He was always good with the other mouse and is an adorable long haired fatty and I've been wanting to get him another cage mate because I know that mice are very social but I was worried that he may have spent too much time by himself and it might be dangerous to introduce a new mouse to him. I was just wondering if it was worth it to let him live alone or take the chance on getting him a new cage mate. The cage is plenty big for 2 and I try to keep his environment entertaining but I'm just afraid he might be too lonely.

Answer
Dear Claudia,

The sad and frustrating fact about male mice is that they usually fight. Sometimes litter mates or a father and son pair will get along if they have never been separated.  But in general, males fight and they will fight to the death.  This means that many pet male mice have to live alone.  Mice would definitely prefer to have friends, but a mouse cage just isn't enough space for two males to stake out their territory.

When you have a mouse who lives alone, he really needs more love and handling than he would if he had a friend.  To keep him happy socially you should give him quality people time for at least an hour a day.  You may have other things to do, but some of them will work perfectly well with a mouse in your sleeve or on your shoulder!

I wish him the best of luck.

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha