Transporting 12 mice

Question
QUESTION: I am in desperate need of a workable solution to rid my pet mice of mites (who decided they like my skin as well).  I am being treated by  dermatologist who told me to just get rid of the mice (like where and how!)  They are scratching but do not seem to be any more than they ever were.  I'll do what I can to save my "babies"!

ANSWER: Dear Nancy,

Mouse mites don't infest people as far as I know, but people have sensitivities to different things, so maybe something that is bugging your mice could bug you too.  The only thing that I know of that mice and humans definitely share is ringworm.  There may be other fungi as well.  

The mice should be tested by a knowledgeable vet to find out what is causing the itching.  They should be able to tell from examining a skin sample under a microscope.  If they have mange or ringworm, mite treatment won't help.

To treat for mites at home,  I use a flea and tick spray from a company called eight in one.  They have a version for small animals and a weaker one for birds.  The advantage to using the weaker one is that the possible skin reaction will be less. The disadvantage is that if it isn't enough, you have to go through the whole treatment, which  involves two applications and two cage-cleanings, a second time.

If you can't find the spray in a pet store, you can get it at this link:

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752081

The following post describes how to use the spray:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Mice-3824/2009/1/mouse-scratching-itself-missing.htm

With sensitive skin I would recommend wearing surgical gloves when you apply the spray.  

I hope this solves everyone's problem.

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha






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

QUESTION: Concerning the mice with rodent (or avian) mites on my much-loved mice and your very helpful answer about taking the mice to the vet for identification, we do not have a vet here that knows a lot about mice, I am also wondering how to get all 12 (yes, 12!) of my little beauties to the vet we do have.  Taking only one to the vet would seem to be helpful, yet when I pick them up to investigate the girls, my eyes must be bad because I don't see mites or anything else on them.  The dermatologist took a scraping of my skin awhile back and the report he received was that it was an avian mite (that can also be rodent mites, he says).  I did use the 8 in 1 small animal spray and am keeping my fingers crossed that that is the ticket.  What would you do with that number of mice to transport?  Thank you so much for your help.

Answer
Dear Nancy,

I don't understand the problem with transporting 12 mice:  Won't they all fit in one small aquarium?  Perhaps you don't have an aquarium... I used to use a spaghetti pot-- it has tiny holes in it.  Or in a tall pot with a lid that you peek open frequently.  Or in a cardboard box inside another box (they won't chew through them both).  Even a shoebox with holes punched in it would work as a box.

Or is the problem that they live separately? Let's see, 12 separate mice... How about plastic 'Tupperware' food type containers covered with nylon screening held on by rubber bands?  All you need is a little bedding in each one.  You can get sets of them very cheaply at a 99-cent type store.

Or how about an egg carton?  There are a dozen slots.  JUST KIDDING!! heh heh that would be cute.

I hope this helps!

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha