Getting New Mice- Is it alright?

by BananaPie Thu 08 Mar 2018, 10:04 pm

As I've mentioned before, I'm thinking about getting two new girls who will be 1-1.5 months old. But with my tiny Madeline who's a small 6 months old and Nicole who's a year, I'm not sure if it would be alright or not. Nicole isn't exactly feeble, but she does have heart failure. And Madeline is still not exactly tamed. She's not totally scared of me anymore, but she does run for her hideout if she sees my hand enter the tank while she's on the wheel.

On the other hand, I think it would be good to bring new babies for them to play with into the tank. I have to go in their tank and wake them up because otherwise they'll sleep too much (or what I feel like is too much). Does anybody know why this is? Would it be unwise to bring two new mice in this environment or am I being overly cautious? Would new mice stunt the taming process with Madeline? I'm so torn! Shock

by CallaLily Fri 09 Mar 2018, 7:18 am

I say go for it. Most older gals seem to enjoy having a few youngins around. Don’t forget you’ll need to quarantine the new mice for at least 3 weeks. During this time you’ll not only be making sure they’re healthy and not pregnant, but you’ll also be working on taming. Tame mice usually do better with intros. Good luck. Smile

Can you explain more on what you feel is sleeping too much?

by BananaPie Fri 09 Mar 2018, 4:08 pm

Well, they usually go to sleep around 8am and wake up around 10pm. Maybe there's not like a set time they should be awake or asleep, but not seeing them awake after 7pm when the sun has usually set a long time ago kind of worries me. Tail Flip

by CallaLily Sat 10 Mar 2018, 9:38 am

They’re usually most active at dawn and dusk but some are more nocturnal. It’s probably just a routine they’ve fallen into or could be they just like to wait until the house is more quiet or dark?

by River Sat 10 Mar 2018, 11:13 am

My mice wake up more towards 11 PM. That's when the house is dark and quiet for them -- sometimes they wait longer! They go to sleep a little later than your girls, too though.

by scaredymouse Sun 11 Mar 2018, 5:08 pm

I say go for it. Sometimes even new mice will help calm skittish mice. I've introduced young mice to old mice, nervous mice, sick mice.... it doesn't matter. Just follow to neutral territory protocol and give it a go!