Adopting Adult Mice

by Kaelico Mon 18 Sep 2017, 9:09 pm

There's a nine month old female mouse at an animal shelter near me and she's been there since May. She's also the only mouse they have which means she's been all alone for that long. I feel really bad for her and I'd love to adopt her but I'm not sure how to go about getting her a companion. Breeders and LPS's around me only sell young mice and since the shelter mouse is an adult, I don't know if they would take very kindly to each other. I've heard that introducing mice at different stages of development doesn't usually go very well. What are my options here? Is there anywhere I might be able to find another adult mouse? And how would the shelter mouse react to suddenly living with another mouse after being alone for so long? Would she have psychological issues or trauma, and would she be territorial or aggressive? Would it be better to just keep her alone if I do end up adopting her? Please help, I know this is like the third post I've made today but I have a lot of questions Smile

by essentiallysue Mon 18 Sep 2017, 10:29 pm

I don't know how this helps... I have a very old mouse. She outlived three companions. I got her a young mouse and they got along until the young mouse died. Still my old mouse lived on...Then, I got two fairly young mice for her, and they both had babies (unexpectedly). The old mouse mothered the pregnant mice and then all the babies. Now, most of the babies are in different cages, but I left some with her and the two mothers. My old gal is the happiest I have seen her and as active as the younger ones. Sometimes it just works out.

by CallaLily Tue 19 Sep 2017, 7:49 am

I agree with @essentiallysue. Older gals often seem to perk up a little when younger mice are introduced properly. There's no guarantees of course. I mean, there never is. But it's absolutely worth trying!

Please check out the quarantine and introductions threads for info on the proper way to go about introducing new mice.

by Peachy Wed 20 Sep 2017, 5:24 am

I've adopted shelter mice who came to absolutely LOVE their new friends. Of course, the other way is a possibility too, but chances are that girl is a sweetie and will be overjoyed to have mousey friends again.

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Adopting Adult Mice

Adopting Adult Mice

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