Looking to purchase a mouse

by sangelich Sat 25 Jun 2016, 2:53 pm

I am looking to purchase a mouse as pet for my kids. I do not want to go to Pet Smart. We are new to pet mice. Any suggestions where to purchase quality mouse.

by AnonymousMouseOwner Sat 25 Jun 2016, 3:18 pm

I recommend getting one that is not being sold as a feeder mouse, if you live in the United States. Feeder mice are generally from bad conditions and develop health problems that often lead to early death. You'd be better off with what pet stores call a "Fancy mouse", I don't recommend big chain store like PetCo and PetSmart, as mice can sometimes be bad tempered from there. If you have a local breeder, or a small privately owned pet store near you it might be better to check those places, and ask to handle the fancy mouse so you can make sure it's well tempered and healthy. They all have different personalities and colors, so make sure you get one that your kids will enjoy playing with! By the way, females should live in a trio, and males by themselves, so, if you are getting females, you'll need to get more than one.

by scaredymouse Sat 25 Jun 2016, 3:35 pm

Top choice is always a breeder... But those are hard to find. Petco and PETsMART get their mice from the same feeder stock, PETsMART just gets the pretty ones. For most mice enthusiasts, these are our only options.

You could also try the humane society or your local shelter. They sometimes have vet sweet mice that need a home. I imagine these pets were loved at some point. The problem with these pets is that you can never know how old they are and since mice only live two years at best, these mice not be the best choice for a child as they might not live long. However, many mice from the pet store don't live long either. I just had a beautiful mouse from PETsMART die of cancer at 6 mo old.

Wherever you get a mouse, though, males should be housed alone as they fight with other mice. And females should be kept ideally in groups of three, but at least in a pair. Females can die of loneliness and need to have a friend.

by Peachy Sat 25 Jun 2016, 4:39 pm

I have no suggestions for breeders, but I wanted to welcome you to the forum. I hope you'll find what you're looking for. Smile

by River Sat 25 Jun 2016, 10:30 pm

Aw. I'd also check the other pages on this site - such as nutrition, cage sizes, etc.
Since you used singular 'mouse' I'd suggest male for your family. Depending on how old your kids are, make sure to supervise closely!

by CinnamonPearl Sat 25 Jun 2016, 10:34 pm

Check online for mouse adoptions, or search on craigslist to see if anyone needs to rehome some mice. Welcome to the forum! I really commend you for avoiding the chain pet stores. It's a good standard to have.

by olimarthemouse Sun 26 Jun 2016, 7:52 am

AnonymousMouseOwner wrote:I recommend getting one that is not being sold as a feeder mouse, if you live in the United States. Feeder mice are generally from bad conditions and develop health problems that often lead to early death. You'd be better off with what pet stores call a "Fancy mouse", I don't recommend big chain store like PetCo and PetSmart, as mice can sometimes be bad tempered from there. If you have a local breeder, or a small privately owned pet store near you it might be better to check those places, and ask to handle the fancy mouse so you can make sure it's well tempered and healthy. They all have different personalities and colors, so make sure you get one that your kids will enjoy playing with! By the way, females should live in a trio, and males by themselves, so, if you are getting females, you'll need to get more than one.

I got my mouse from PetSmart, and he is seriously the sweetest, most gentle animal out there. Love

by CallaLily Sun 26 Jun 2016, 9:20 am

Welcome. You could look into your local shelters to see if they have any mice available or search around for a good breeder in your area. Good luck.

AnonymousMouseOwner wrote:I recommend getting one that is not being sold as a feeder mouse, if you live in the United States. Feeder mice are generally from bad conditions and develop health problems that often lead to early death. You'd be better off with what pet stores call a "Fancy mouse"

Whether labeled "feeder" or "fancy" at a pet shop, you still run into the same health problems. They're bred with mainly one thing in mind - sales.

by Brynne Sun 26 Jun 2016, 6:22 pm

Welcome!
Petfinder. com can show you the mice up for adoption by shelters and small rescue groups in your area. Type in your zip code, select "small and furry, " then type in "mouse." You can also do a web search for breeders in your area, but the giant majority will be food breeders. People who breed mice for pets or show are extremely rare. For example, this forum does not have one from anywhere in the entire U.S.... and this is the only active U.S. mouse forum!

All domestic mice are fancy mice. Whether they are labelled as feeders or pets, they are the same.

Best wishes!

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