introducing new mouse to existing mouse

Question
i have a female fancy mouse (trinculo) and i want to buy another one that i
saw in a pet store that i fell in love with. i've had trinculo for about 4 months
maybe longer, and i was wondering how easy it would be to introduce the
new mouse to her? i want them to get along and i've read that females often
get along well in pairs, but i wanted to make sure. they will be living in the
same cage and i want everything to go over smoothly. is this possible?

Answer
Dear Emily,

You are right to want two mice at once so the one isn't lonely.  Mice are very social creatures and quite sad to be alone. Three is even better, so when one dies the other isn't heartbroken.  But not everyone is ready for three mice!

When you introduce the mice, do so in a completely clean cage with all new stuff in it.  Squeaking at introductions isn't a bad sign and it doesn't mean pain or fear, it is communication.   Chasing and squeaking are perfectly normal and only a problem if somebody is bleeding. To make it go more smoothly, put a tiny dab of REAL vanilla essence on their necks and hind ends.  This way when they sniff each other they will both smell alike.  This should reduce squabbling.

Sometimes you might see a littler mouse stop and stand up on her hind legs facing the big mouse.  She's showing her vulnerable parts-- belly and neck-- and telling the big mouse that she (the little one) is at her (the big one's) mercy.  She's basically communicating that she is a baby and presents no threat to the older mouse.  The older mouse will take this as a sign of respect and won't attack her but the chasing won't end immediately.

Trinculo is a cute name.  Does it mean 3 colors?

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha