New Mice Sexes

by Nicolademee Mon 23 Nov 2020, 1:31 pm

So I was looking for hamsters to adopt in my area and I found an ad with a little mouse in a crittertrail. I have the knowledge and supplies for mice too, so I figured I would ask!

I asked them about it and they said they had two in there, male and female (!). I won't lie, I've always hoped I'd be able to rescue a pregnant female mouse or hamster, so this seemed like a great opportunity for me and the little ones in need. I have 2 cages, one for each to be separated immediately when i get home, and if the female came to me pregnant (i would NOT breed them purposefully in my care. I am very aware this is wrong and it would be selfish to breed simply because I want to raise pups, plus purposefully breeding animals completely goes against my moral beliefs and lifestyle), i have the resources needed to help her and an experienced vet if anything goes wrong.

That being said, I figured they'd only have had these mice for a few weeks since they said there hadn't been babies. Nope, they've had them for about a year?? I asked about their temperaments and they said the female spends all her time in the bedding. I'm thinking there's 2 options, and here is where I'm asking for y'all's input. Do you think the female is continuously getting pregnant, birthing in the bedding and consuming her litter? Or do you think it's a missexed pair and the female is actually a male that's being bullied into staying underground?

They don't appear to have any form of enrichment, just bedding. No toys, no wheel, just bedding and a water dish. I have an DIY Linmon enclosure ready and waiting for a new friend(s), a Prevue 528 for immediate separation, as well as an overload of supplies.

One last question: Is Mazuri rat/mouse blocks a good staple food? I also have Higgins Sunburst seed mix as well for variety. For treats i have rice pops, Yogi's (only used for an elderly Syrian. Not to be frequent treats for mice), Apple biscuits, and lots of fresh veggies and fruits. Any tips?

Thanks!

by Nicolademee Mon 23 Nov 2020, 1:45 pm

One more question: Are wheels with a front plate considered safe? I have a 12" Silent Runner and 2 10" WodentWheels, but i also have a 6.5" and 10" Silent Spinner and 8" Comfort wheel. Would i be able to use the Silent Runner or WodentWheels? I can always just take the front plate off. Thanks!

by River Mon 23 Nov 2020, 3:42 pm

I think either is possible, unfortunately. It would be hard to tell with just this information but I think it's likely that the female is really a male. Inexperienced owners can get confused since males aren't always super obvious.

Looking at the Mazuri block the protein is higher than anything I've ever fed before but if she is pregnant that may not be a bad thing, especially not after birth...don't quote me on that, though. AFAIK breeding animals will require a little more but I wouldn't know for sure. Just in case she is really a pregnant female I would recommend reaching out to (ethical) breeders for advice. They have a little more experience in this area than I do.

I think front plates are okay for single males, but with a group of girls, I can imagine it'd make sharing the wheel hard. You'd be surprised how often they try and get in and out together!

Best of luck, I hope everything goes well. <3

by Nicolademee Mon 23 Nov 2020, 4:21 pm

River wrote:I think either is possible, unfortunately. It would be hard to tell with just this information but I think it's likely that the female is really a male. Inexperienced owners can get confused since males aren't always super obvious.

Looking at the Mazuri block the protein is higher than anything I've ever fed before but if she is pregnant that may not be a bad thing, especially not after birth...don't quote me on that, though. AFAIK breeding animals will require a little more but I wouldn't know for sure. Just in case she is really a pregnant female I would recommend reaching out to (ethical) breeders for advice. They have a little more experience in this area than I do.

I think front plates are okay for single males, but with a group of girls, I can imagine it'd make sharing the wheel hard. You'd be surprised how often they try and get in and out together!

Best of luck, I hope everything goes well. <3

Hmm okay, for the wheel i think I'll just take the front plate off of the silent Runner and use it like that Smile

As for the food, is protein not particularly good for mice in high levels? If that's the case, i think I have some Oxbow tucked away somewhere. It is the hamster/gerbil kind though (ironically it's horrible for both), but i can purchase a different brand if that's what is best for the mousies.

As a note: they said they've had them for about a year and were purchased at petco if that changes anything. Thanks guys!

New Mice Sexes

New Mice Sexes

Re: New Mice Sexes

Re: New Mice Sexes

Re: New Mice Sexes