Dominance issues?

Question
Hi Natasha

I have two female mice who I introduced (with your help!) about two months
ago and they have been fine together. Recently thought they seem to be
chasing each other more often than before. Usually it only lasts a couple of
seconds and there is only occasional squeaking but I just want to check that I
shouldn't be worried.

They seem to chase each other equally, almost as if they can't decide which
one can be dominant. They still sleep in the same nest and interact well
together and will groom each other but they do chase each other every day
usually in the first couple of hours after they get up.

I'm probably being paranoid but I just wanted to check

thanks

Jo

Answer
Dear Jo,

Your two mice haven't decided yet who is going to be the 'A' Mouse. -- that is, mouse #1, the dominant mouse.   Just like dogs, mice need to establish an order of dominance.  Also just like dogs, sometimes the mouse wanting to be the dominant mouse will 'mount' the other mouse, as though she were a male!  Some mice don't care at all, but to others it is important.  The dominant  mouse will also clean the other mouse as part of her dominant duties!  Your mice may figure it out-- there might be some squeaking-- or they may keep on 'jousting' harmlessly as they are doing.  Heck, it gives them something to do : )).  

Right now I have four mice and one (Brandy) wants to prove her dominance.  Although the others are either too small or don't care, she continues.  She chases the little ones and makes them squeak, but when she mounts the fourth, biggest mouse (Clara), Clara doesn't care a fig and she just stands there, bored.  Brandy will even climb right on top of her, which looks very funny, and Clara just ignores her!  When she chases the little ones I often pick up the chased mouse, but I don't need to.  There's no harm done. The squeaking has nothing to do with pain.  It's just communication.

Every question is a good one because with little mice you never know what little thing might be serious.  I welcome anything that you might consider 'paranoid.'  

Happy mousing!

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha