It's ironic to be writing about mice needing a friend this week. I say that as this week I mentioned—jokingly—to my husband that our most recent rescue, Dozer the cat, needed a buddy. He exclaimed that Dozey has friends: three dogs. He is absolutely right, although Mac, the girl pug, is very scared of his claws and gives him a wide berth. However, this week our blog topic is “does your mouse need a buddy?” not “does your cat need a buddy?" So keep reading to find out the answer to that question.
Does your mouse need a buddy?
It depends on gender.
Females
Mice are very social animals. Therefore, female mice generally love to live with other females as they are prone to depression when living solo. However, in the next section, we’ll share how to tell if your mice are getting along.
Males
Unless your male mice are neutered as adults, it’s not a good idea for boy mice to have buddies. Why?
- Hormones in adult males cause them to be territorial
- Un-neutered male mice will impregnate adult females
After your trusted exotic vet tells you your neutered male mouse is ready for friends, you can introduce them. Male mice are good roomies in pairs (2 boys) or with a group of females
Introductions
Like most precious pets, mice introductions must be done in neutral territory. Either put them in a new, sanitized enclosure or deep clean the enclosure; you have to remove all traces of other mice. You can add a few areas to hide, but ensure a primarily open space so you can remove them fast if necessary.
When sanitizing or cleaning, we recommend the following:
- Non-toxic cleaners like vinegar and clean cloths or paper towels.
- Clean the enclosure in a room away from where the mice live.
- Ensure the vinegar is completely wiped off and the enclosure surfaces are dry, as it has a strong smell.
When introducing mice, you’ll know within 30-60 minutes if your mouse needs a buddy. Here’s how to tell if things are going well…or not:
Pawsitive
- Ignoring the other mice
- Investigating the new enclosure
- Sniffing bums (like dogs)
- Grooming/licking other mice’s faces
Negative
- Fighting immediately, including pulling hair or biting
- Squealing
- Wagging tails
Note: if they fight, the wounds can get infected easily. Please take them to your vet immediately for treatment.
What’s your experience with respect to the question “does your mouse need a buddy?” We’re always looking for input from our valued customers as we all learn from each other. Please comment on our socials or email us.
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VETERINARY DISCLAIMER: We are not veterinarians, and none of our information should be construed as veterinary advice. If your pet is acting unwell, you have concerns for their well being, or before adding any new product, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
