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Post by kristinb on Apr 8, 2011 11:33:34 GMT -5
My hamster, Rigby is turning 3 soon and is visibly starting to slow down. While I hope he sticks around awhile longer, hamsters generally don't live much beyond 3 or 4. So I've been thinking about mice as I saw the cutest baby mice at the store the other day. It's been years since i owned mice and was curious if my hamstercage would suffice for a pair? It's all bars as I hate the plastic ones because they seem to lock the urine smell in no matter how much you clean it. What are the dimensions required for mice? I'm sure the cage I had for mine when I was younger was not sufficient. I don't have the dimensions of rigbys cage handy but its fairly large as far as store bought hamster cages go. He also has a playpen he uses to get some additional stimulation and exercise. Thanks for any advice  |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2011 11:43:35 GMT -5
No, no, no absolutely no bar cages for mice.  I have learned this heartbreaking lesson when trying out different cages too many times. They can squeeze through less than 1/4 inch spacing between bars, so there is NOTHING on the market safe enough. Also no plastic cages like the cheap-o habitrails or plastic/wire combos - they can chew right through, and some ingenious little ones will push tubing around and get out through the space that creates. So much for the "secure" parts. <_< I recommend terrariums with secure-latch mesh lids (you can modify them with an aquarium topper with holes in it, too). A ten-gallon is perfect for 2 female mice, and no more than 3 to ensure proper ventilation and less condensation build-up. It will need cleaned at least once (twice is better) per week. Male mice should NEVER, EVER be housed together because they will fight to the death, usually a slow and painful one from severe wounds-amputation/infections. Anyways, the tanks look much like an aquarium but will (usually) have more floor space. If you're serious about getting pet mice, I would caution you strongly about buying from pet stores. There is literally 99% heartbreak from going that route. Mice are extremely susceptible to mycoplasma pulmonis, which is a terrible respiratory disease most of them have and either die from young, or can only be kept sustained through twice a day meds like my little Mirabel - Baytril and Metacam, an antibiotic and pain reliever, the antibiotic twice daily and the pain reliever once. There are no natural treatments for mycoplasma pulmonis, and there is no known cure or any other treatment known.  I really hope that helps. Mice are a soft spot for me. I'm more than happy to help you find a good breeder, or if one isn't available, make the most from the store stock (find the best you can) and find out more about their suppliers (rodent mills). |
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Post by kristinb on Apr 8, 2011 14:08:25 GMT -5
Thanks for the info. Perhaps I'll stick with hamsters then, as I think I've pretty much drained all my extra money on Jinx hehe so purchasing all new cages and setups just isn't in the dice for me right now! Plus, hubby would have a heartattack I think  |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2011 14:23:38 GMT -5
Thanks for the info. Perhaps I'll stick with hamsters then, as I think I've pretty much drained all my extra money on Jinx hehe so purchasing all new cages and setups just isn't in the dice for me right now! Plus, hubby would have a heartattack I think Hehe, I know what you mean. Really, if you just got a buck that needs to be alone as it is, and a tank, you'd only be spending around $40-60 depending on your area and maybe even including some accessories like water bottle, etc. Part of those items you could reuse if you have them already. Two females wouldn't be that much more expensive. The biggest expense is really the tank and furnishings. Possible medical bills for one mouse rather than two would also be a lot less expensive (we pay about $20-30 every 3 months for meds) - another great thing about males is that they are WAY more interested in you than females who want to E X P L O R E. ;D lol Mice are so much more friendly/less bitey than the majority of hammies, but if you decide to go with a hammie good luck. My favorite are Roborovskis and Syrians, I'd like to try them someday. Let me know if I can help in any way. Mice make fantastic pets. |
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