Do pet mice hibernate?

by stephlisa Wed 21 Sep 2016, 2:22 pm

Ok, so this might sound a little odd...but we've noticed Colin has started being much more interested in his food recently...but only since the weather turned autumnal here in the south of England.

So we were wondering if pet mice knew that it was autumn and that if they were wild they'd be eating everything they could ready for hibernation? Obviously I'm not expecting him to hibernate or anything like that, but we thought it was an interesting question for you guys...so...over to you...discuss!

by MouseLover Wed 21 Sep 2016, 2:56 pm

Wild meecers don't hibernate. In fact, the only times I've had wild mice in the house has been in winter time, as they're looking for somewhere warmer to go - by spring time they've disappeared.

But that doesn't necessarily mean they wouldn't try to eat more and put on a bit of weight in case things are scarce over winter... I dunno... interesting question!

by Peachy Wed 21 Sep 2016, 3:07 pm

It's started getting darker earlier and staying cooler at night, but I havent noticed any differences... at least not yet. I think someone mentioned on TFM that mice might slow down to cobserve energy, too. Interesting topic! Smile

by stephlisa Wed 21 Sep 2016, 3:17 pm

Ah, for some reason I had it in my head that wild mice hibernate (don't know why :S).
To me it seems odd that a pet mouse who, no matter what, is always given enough food and water would go into a winter mode. Maybe its an instinct thing or maybe its just coincidence that we've noticed it now!

by Fukari Tue 10 Apr 2018, 6:40 pm

Ok, I do believe that when hamsters are exposed to temperatures really cold, almost negative, that's when they can seep into a tiny hibernation. Mice aren't necessarily sensitive to the cold as much as hamsters, which is why they do not in fact hibernate.

by Jadamouse Tue 10 Apr 2018, 11:08 pm

mice dont hibernate, however if it gets too cold into them they can go into torpor, which is like hibernation but different. keeping your mice in a warmish room (no too hot) and offering scraps of fleece or fleece snuggle sack things keeps them warm over the winter Smile