Getting two mice, is their new house too big?

by Lemonade Snoopy Wed 22 Nov 2017, 1:41 pm

I'm getting a pair of female mice in a few days, and I've been planning out their new house. It's a 17 by 29 (height 8 in) drawer. The wood is safe, I checked it out, but I'm worried that the space is too large for two mice. Should I get a third or buy a smaller area?

by Blessed Wed 22 Nov 2017, 9:42 pm

Well, first let me say: hello3

and,

And no; that's not too big. I'm sure they'll love it! When it comes to living beings, most prefer bigger spaces, lol.
But just saying, since you have a wood cage, like you mentioned, I'd keep an eye out on occasion to see if they start chewing on it.... We wouldn't want them chewing their way out, even if it takes months.
Mouse Wave

by CallaLily Wed 22 Nov 2017, 10:31 pm

Welcome and congrats on your new mice!

I do find that with new, untamed mice they often do better with less space to start with. Then once you've finished taming and getting to know them, you can move them up to what works best for them. Putting untamed mice in a large space, even one packed with hides/toys, can make the process more difficult and can sometimes lead to territorial issues. I always start mine off in the minimum size for the group, but once they're doing well together and with me I move them up. Always watching to make sure the changes work for the group, of course. If you can invest in something like a 10 or 20 gallon tank just to start out with, it wouldn't go to waste as it would make a great quarantine/hospital tank which is always good to have on hand.

I do recommend a group of at least 3 females because it balances the group dynamics better and if one mouse were suddenly to pass away you're not left with one very sad lonely girl. With just a pair sometimes the more submissive mouse just can't catch a break. Having a third will take some of the dominant mouse's attention off of just her.

Good luck with your new mice. Smile