Rip, rip,rip

Question
Dear Panya,

Every time I clean and put new paper in my mouse's cage she always rips it up and puts in in the place where she sleeps even though there's already a lot in there.

I was wondering if I there was any way I could make her stop ripping it up?

P.S Does this have any thing to do with her blindness?


Answer
This is completely normal behavior. Mice enjoy chewing and ripping materials not only to keep their teeth in check but it also makes great nesting material. Wood shavings are a great 'floor' material and absorb urine. Keep including the paper in her cage as it will keep her busy and she obviously enjoys ripping it up.

Mice have very poor sight anyway so going blind isn't so much of a problem for mice. They mainly relay on their ears, nose and whiskers for navigation.

Make sure she has at least one buddy as mice are social creatures and need the company of other mice.

Please feel free to ask any more questions.