Owning 2 male mice

by MooMouse Fri 26 Aug 2016, 3:00 pm

Hi all, I am considering getting another male mouse in addition to one that I have already. I would keep them in separate 10-gallon glass aquariums, of course. The tanks would have to be kept in the same room, relatively close to one another. My question is will keeping the tanks close to each other make the stench of the mice increase noticeably?

Also, will the two mice being able to smell each other change their behavior/personality (make them anxious, more aggressive toward me)?

Thank you! Very Happy

by CinnamonPearl Fri 26 Aug 2016, 4:21 pm

I shouldn't think that keeping them in close proximity would affect much. So long as they aren't allowed to be in the same space together at all times, you're good. Not sure about smell as I haven't had two males together, but I am planning on getting another boy in the very near future, so I guess I can let you know when I find out.

by MouseLover Fri 26 Aug 2016, 6:42 pm

I don't think it would be a problem. But I'd advise you to wash your hands between handling them so that you don't smell like another buck Smile

by EverythingAnimal Fri 26 Aug 2016, 6:45 pm

I think I read in what is now the Mouse Information section that males in the same room can smell and hear each other, so sometimes they chatter to each other and if a mouse in the same room move away they realize their room buddy is gone but don't react quite like females do when separated.
I just can't find where I read it! Definitely not in a thread, I know that much.

by MouseLover Fri 26 Aug 2016, 7:56 pm

That sounds familiar to me too EverythingAnimal... but I can't remember where I read that either haha Laughing

by AnonymousMouseOwner Fri 26 Aug 2016, 8:25 pm

I found it in the "Let's hear it for the boys!" thread under Mouse Behavior.

2.) You *can* have more than one boy!

You just need more than one cage/tank is all! I have in the past, and will shortly again, have more than one buck in the same room. They do get on fine as long as they are kept separate at all times...yes this includes 'play time'. Boys should never be allowed to play with each other. It's dangerous, but, if they are in their respective cages they can, and do, often chitter to one another over the space span...it's really quite adorable.

3.) They aren't as prone to loneliness

Don't get me wrong, if you ignore them, they will get lonely, and, just like any other mouse become sick from it, but, if you house more than one buck in the same room, and one passes (Like we all must do someday), they will not get that over-whelming suffering of depression for a lost friend, like little girls can. They will notice their room-mate is gone, but they tend to bounce back fairly fast...after all, they have you, and you are the center of their universe.

by EverythingAnimal Fri 26 Aug 2016, 8:44 pm

Oh that's right! Good job AMO!

by MooMouse Sat 27 Aug 2016, 9:33 pm

Alright, thanks for all of the advice Smile

I've pretty much decided that when I get another mouse it will be a male. I'm just not sure when I will adopt him Smile

by scaredymouse Sun 28 Aug 2016, 3:58 am

I have two boys in the same room. I haven't notice a change in odor or behavior. They have their own territories and are perfectly happy with that. Just like in the wild! I've also got females in that room. One of my boys gets pretty worked up if I handle the ladies before I handle him though. I always try to play with the boys first when I make my rounds so I don't frustrate the poor little fella, lol.