Playpen time? Is it necessary?

by olimarthemouse Wed 20 Jul 2016, 3:02 pm

Ok, I haven't done any playpen time with Olimar in a long time. How long do you guys let yours out for and what do you let them do?

by MouseLover Wed 20 Jul 2016, 3:14 pm

I think interacting with your mouse/mice regularly (preferably daily) is the best way to get a lovely tame mouse. That doesn't have to be in a play pen, it can be any way you like. The important thing is that (1) you are handling and interacting with your mouse and (2) your mouse gets a bit of a break from being stuck in the same tank all the time.

Setting up a play area is great because the mouse can explore the toys and things in the play area, which is mentally very stimulating for them. But if I don't have time to set up some elaborate playground, my mice also enjoy climbing around inside my hoodie, or exploring my bed/sofa (they love climbing over and under all the cushions). Mice love novelty, so it's good to mix things up a bit Smile

by olimarthemouse Wed 20 Jul 2016, 10:02 pm

MouseLover wrote:I think interacting with your mouse/mice regularly (preferably daily) is the best way to get a lovely tame mouse. That doesn't have to be in a play pen, it can be any way you like. The important thing is that (1) you are handling and interacting with your mouse and (2) your mouse gets a bit of a break from being stuck in the same tank all the time.

Setting up a play area is great because the mouse can explore the toys and things in the play area, which is mentally very stimulating for them. But if I don't have time to set up some elaborate playground, my mice also enjoy climbing around inside my hoodie, or exploring my bed/sofa (they love climbing over and under all the cushions). Mice love novelty, so it's good to mix things up a bit

Thank you! I do try to pick him up once a day, or twice and let him climb up my arms. And sometimes I let him out on bad for very short periods. I'll try to let him out to play more on the floor with toys and such:)

by Brynne Wed 20 Jul 2016, 10:58 pm

These are two different things: Personally playing with the mouse and putting him in a play area for exercise/change of scenery.

The first is more important for bonding. If the mouse has a giant playground of a cage, then the separate play area is not essential, but is nice to have.

My mice have basic setups, so the bathtub playground is a highlight of their day. They get 45 minutes of time there most nights.
On average, I probably take out two of my seven mice each day to walk around on me, tunnel through sleeves, nap on my shoulder, etc.

by olimarthemouse Thu 21 Jul 2016, 8:08 am

Brynne wrote:These are two different things: Personally playing with the mouse and putting him in a play area for exercise/change of scenery.

The first is more important for bonding. If the mouse has a giant playground of a cage, then the separate play area is not essential, but is nice to have.

My mice have basic setups, so the bathtub playground is a highlight of their day. They get 45 minutes of time there most nights.
On average, I probably take out two of my seven mice each day to walk around on me, tunnel through sleeves, nap on my shoulder, etc.

Thank you! I don't have a play-pen, so when I did use the bathtub he got really scared and made 'pfft' noises, which led me to believe he was allergic to aspen which was the bedding I was using (I did use aspen when I first got him, but have switched to Kaytee). I immediately went to switch his bedding to shredded paper towels. Well, he still does this 4 months later, whenever he gets nervous. So I quit putting him in the tub, because I think it's a bit too big and overwhelming for him, maybe? I want to order a playpen for him and my other pets, very soon, though.

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Playpen time? Is it necessary?

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