Re: New Mouse Mom to 5 girls

by CallaLily Wed 19 Oct 2016, 2:46 pm

I think in general vets will warn you that you may have to separate a mouse that is unwell from the others. It's certainly not always the case but there is a chance the healthy mice will pick on and exclude the unhealthy mouse. From what I've read, it seems more likely that a well bonded group will pull together and care for the sick mouse. But it's still something that requires close supervision and is a good idea to have a back up plan, just in case.

I know with Seren, when her tumor started to get the best of her, she quickly fell in rank and was somewhat picked on. But thankfully it never became bad enough where I thought they needed to be separated. With other female groups where one fell ill, for the most part the healthy mouse/mice seemed indifferent. But I know others here have witnessed closely bonded mice caring for their sick buddy.

by MouseLover Wed 19 Oct 2016, 4:25 pm

Yeah I think I'd keep a close eye on things, and separate in the case of bullying/fighting. But if everything seems okay, I'd think it's in her best interest to stay with the rest of the group.

by jadey Thu 20 Oct 2016, 12:16 am

River is right. They end up becoming bullied by the others in the colony. It has to do with the behavior, for instance I noticed tonight that Ruby was alone in the other hide while the other 4 were together in another. They had blocked all entrances to sleep while she was doing her circling, which she is often the only one up. So she was ignored in a way because of it, thus when she was finally tuckered herself out she went to be by herself. Usually pumpkin sleeps with her but tonight it didn't happen that way.

ive already gotten so attached to her, which I'm sure it's because of this. I just hope that she can stay with them as long as she can, but when the time comes I'd rather keep her safe. Hopefully it won't happen, but I am staying positive but with a back up plan if needed.

by CinnamonPearl Thu 20 Oct 2016, 5:53 am

If/when you have to separate, I would split the colony rather than putting your sick girl in solitary confinement. Choose another girl who hasn't bullied her in any way and let them live together. Forcing her to live alone would be cruel. Lone females can get depression and literally die of broken hearts. Some do well on their own, but it's not ideal. So split the colony instead if you can!

by jadey Thu 20 Oct 2016, 6:14 am

I plan to! I had posted in a earlier thread that I thought it would be pumpkin since they seem to be more together than any of the others. I am just hoping it doesn't come to that.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I could supplement her diet with? She uses much more energy than the others and would need to be something I can feed her easily. I was thinking maybe a protein source?

by CallaLily Thu 20 Oct 2016, 8:58 am

Off the top of my head - walnuts, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, mealworms, crickets, eggs, chicken, spinach, kale.

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