Mouse wants out of cage

Question
I have raised Peppino, a wild mouse from when his eyes were not open yet.  He is doing very well and probably 5 weeks old now.  He constantly wants to get out of his aquarium and even seems to be crying to me to let him out.  I tried to get a playpen but he just climbed right out. I don't want to release him only to be some hawks lunch, but I feel horrible that he just wants to be free.  Any suggestions?  I have a Crtitter two story condo inside a larger aquarium, plus wheels and huts.  Is this normal for him to do?  I think he is a boy. If he could run free somehow without escaping I think that would help.
Nancy

Answer
Dear Nancy,

That's a tough situation.  I do always recommend keeping a wild mouse who was hand raised because they don't have the outdoor experience and training from their mom to help them to survive in the wild, and also they love their people and make good pets.  

I assume he runs in his wheels, which is essential for any mouse.  I actually have a pet fancy mouse right now named Brandy, who hates to be enclosed.  She was completely miserable in an aquarium, and was happy for about 2 days when I put her in a three-story wire cage.  Then one day she got out and had the apartment to herself for a brief period of time.  After that when I put her back in the cage she spent several solid days chewing on the bars trying to get out.  I was very worried.  Then I happened to acquire a very large, multi-bird bird cage made up for mice, with 4 levels; for the 6 mice I put in 5 wheels.  She can climb all over the walls as well.  Now Brandy is perfectly content.  Whew!  I felt so guilty!  She still always wants to come out and be held.

The moral of that story is that you may be able to make Peppino happy in a larger cage.  Wire bars are of course out of the question when he is so tiny (except very very close ones), but you can make a large cage out of a plastic bin by cutting out large holes in the top and sides and covering them with screening or 1/4 inch galvanized steel mesh.  If you attach the mesh to the inside you can leave plenty so he can use it to climb around on.  

I would hate for you to have to let him go, so I hope this works for him.  

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha