Just a little chubby or too fat?

by Sigildoe Thu 08 Jun 2017, 1:54 pm

So, This is Tiki. As you can see, she's very round. She is the most Shy of the mice and doesn't like being held. When I first got her she was a little big and i was worried she was pregnant, but now it has been 3 months. She is quite a bit bigger than the others, and I'm worried is she too big? and if so, how can I help her trim down?
She LOVES to make nests. Whenever I lean out the cage and put new tissue in, that's the first thing she does, is rebuild her nests while the others run, climb and explore.
I don't have a scale to weigh her but I could probably get one.

They are currently on a Rat/Mouse mix, which may be the problem? But the more active mice seem fine? No hot spots or extra chub.

If there's any more info that will help, just let me know!

by CallaLily Thu 08 Jun 2017, 2:41 pm

She may be carrying the brindle gene or actually be a poorly marked brindle. They are prone to obesity no matter what you do, it's genetic. You really can't restrict food with mice, they have such high metabolisms they need access to a healthy seed mix at all times. But definitely don't refill the dish until they've eaten all or most of it, to prevent selective eating. There's more on diet here.

The only other things you can do are:
1) Increase fresh foods slowly. It's recommended to give them small bits of fresh veggies at least twice a week, but you can increase that to a small amount daily. Just don't let it become the main part of their diet. A good grain/seed mix should always make up the bulk of their diet. There's a list of safe foods here for a starting point (it's not at all complete and some things are listed as unsafe just because I couldn't find a 100% sure answer).
2) Increase out of tank play time to at least once or twice a day. I like to do this in a big bin that I've set up a bunch of toys in, others use the bath tub or -if your mice are quite tame- a desk top or bed. Always under supervision of course. Make sure they don't go longer than 30 minutes without access to water. Easily solved by providing a water bottle in the play area.

These things may help her from getting severely overweight. She doesn't look like she's at a point where there would be a cause for concern. I do recommend having a scale on hand for any small animal, just because sudden weight loss can be the first sign that something is wrong. I just use a cheap kitchen scale. There are better gram scales out there but the one I have serves its purpose.

by Sigildoe Thu 08 Jun 2017, 2:54 pm

Thanks so much! its a relief to know shes not in any immediate danger. We'll be going grocery shopping tonight so I'll be sure to pick up lots of mouse safe snacks to share. It's hard to do out of tank play because shes so shy she usually sits in a corner or refuses to come out of her hide. even for treats. but ill try to make it a daily thing.
Might pick up a cheap scale tonight too.
Thanks again!

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Just a little chubby or too fat?

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Re: Just a little chubby or too fat?