scratches on tummies

Question
QUESTION: I have 2 male mice that are 2-3 months old, from the same litter and been together all their lives.  They have been handled since they were old enough to be handled and are quite tame.  I've had them for about 3 weeks now, and they have been fighting a lot.  I let them do it because I figured they were playing, and one is clearly more dominant than the other.  However, the smaller, nervous one was climbing on the wall of the cage today and I noticed what appeared to be lots of small cuts and scabs.

The scratches are so numerous, I can't tell if they are from the fighting or some sort of skin irritation.

How can I tell the difference, and what should I do?

ANSWER: Dear Kerianne,

Male mice rarely get along as adults, even littermates.  It is likely that the more aggressive male is biting and scratching the other, and that signals the end of a friendship.  

The two should be separated.  Their cages should be as close together as possible, so they can still communicate. The sad irony of boy mice is, although mice are social creatures and happiest in groups, adult males simply don't get along in a cage sized habitat.  There just isn't enough room for everyone to have his own territory.  Thus male mice generally have to live as singles-- which makes them all the more hungry for love.  It's important to give them a lot of attention-- you may be able to hold them together, and each should be out with you for an hour a day if possible.  

Although it's harder to house two males as pets than two females, the other option is usually for the males to be sold as feeders, so don't feel bad about their lot.  

Have fun with the little guys!

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha

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

QUESTION: What if I were to expand the cage to really be two connected together?  It's one of those cages with the possibility of adding tubes and connecting cages.  Would that be enough space for them?  I'd hate to separate them because they sleep together under the water bottle at night and are capable of completely friendly relationships.  Is separation really the only option?

ANSWER: Dear Kerianne,

You can try expanding the cage and see what happens, but what worries me is that one mouse is getting bitten:  Males will fight to the death.  However if you are watching carefully and the fighting appears to lessen, then you can experiment.  

If they do need to be separated after all, you can still keep the cages connected with a barrier such as a screen in between.  This way they can still sniff each other if they want to.

Best of luck!

squeaks,

Natasha



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

QUESTION: Thanks!

I know I'm being a pain, but now the other one has marks too and I'm beginning to think it might be a skin condition.  I can't find anything online beyond mites and allergies to explain it, and apparently both those things occur behind the ears, not on the stomach.

I am now at a complete loss.

Answer
Dear Kerianne,

If the well-being of a mouse is at stake, all questions are welcome.  If the chasing is still in one direction, it would be strange for the aggressive mouse to show signs of injuries as well.  Keep an eye on the mice for actual scabs from bites, especially on the tail, as you address the other possibilities.

Both mites and allergic reactions can occur all over the mouse.  The safest thing to do is to try to control general allergenic conditions (avoiding chemicals near the cage, washing with baking soda rather than harsh detergents, avoiding non-standard foods..) at the same time as treating for mites.  The mites make the mouse itch and it scratches the fur and sometimes skin off.  A vet can examine a skin specimen under the microscope to find out if this is the problem or if it is a fungal or other problem.  The vet can diagnose it more quickly; or the mite treatment can save the vet fee.

To home-treat for mites, please carefully follow the directions listed in this archived post of mine:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Mice-3824/2008/10/red-skin-hair-loss.htm

If you also change the type of bedding at the same time, you can avoid that common allergy;  the two most common beddings are wood chips, and paper clumps like Carefresh.  You can always reintroduce the jettisoned bedding, foods, etc. carefully after the mice are well or other cause has been proven.

Thank you for being so concerned about your mice!

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha