2 male mice, stink & bite!!

Question
Now that I've read the posts, I know I made a mistake to buy 2 males.  My question is, these mice smell horribly- more than any mice I've had before.  In the past I've had females.  Do you think that they smell worse because they are male, or because they are 2 males sharing the same cage?  I am changing the bedding and cleaning the cages regularly to no avail.  Also, I've made a decision to return one of them and have to decide which one to get rid of.  One is more dominent, fun, playful, frisky, but he has bit me and my 4 year old a few times.  Not seriously, but he nips enough to pinch.  He's very young, do you think he'll get over the biting in time?  The other one is shy, very scared, hard to get out of the cage and poops all over me when I hold him -but at least does not seem inclined to bite.  Will he overcome his fear so that I can hold him without such a mess?  He seems sweet but he's not very fun.  Could it be the stress of living with another male?

Answer
Hi!

Yes, unfortunately male mice do stink a whole lot more than females do! Also because the two males share the same habitat, they're constantly trying to out-stink each other so to say. Surprisingly also cleaning their habitat -too- often may do no good at all - the mice are simply bewildered for the loss of the scent-paths and attempt to fix this gross injustice by marking their territory feverishly! :-)

Young mice can sometimes bite, usually this behaviour goes away after their 'flea-age', around their fourth, even up to fifth week. Even mice older than that may 'taste-bite' your hands, most commonly fingernails. In such case you'll need to patiently teach him it's a no-no by gently blowing air on his face when he does it.

When two males are kept in the same habitat the other one generally takes the dominant role and the other one is left with submission. In such case I would highly recommending choosing the leader. It's in our nature to think of the underdog, but the leader is more likely to make a good pet. Hopefully this was of any help, good luck!