I went a little all out with this one but I want to give him and all my future mice the best life I possibly can. So I ordered all of these ($244 total across all orders) and will move his current stuff into the new cage as well. The mushroom food bowl is for water but he’ll have his current bottle too.
Last 2 photos are his current cage.
I’m a firm believer in proving pets with more than the bear minimum whenever possible :)
How do I get my mouse to learn how to use an upright wheel? He’s the first one I’ve had who didn’t fiqure it out in 3 days or less. He had a saucer in the store but I’m not sure if that would be safe for him (to get a saucer and have both types of wheels available). Upright wheel is 8.5” and transparent. It’s the mini & moe crystal wheel from Petco
Is it okay to temporarily put a wire cage on the bedroom floor if my rooms stays around 70°F to 76°F depending on weather. Automatic heater keeps it from going under 70°F. It would only be 1 to 3 months while I find a big enough table. It’s a prevue 528 (over 600 square inches. 19 x 32.5 inches and 17” tall)
His current cage (Ferplast favola) fits perfectly on most of my tables but I don’t have anything bigger yet. Other than a coffee table. My dresser is too narrow too. I’ll be thrifting a table to that’s why it might take a little while to find one. The new will arrive by Friday this week but it won’t be set up until mid May or early July because I had surgery yesterday. Should I get the table before setting it up? He seems okay in his current cage. I just want room for more enrichment and better doors to help with cleaning and bonding. I also want to eventually pair him if possible. So I need that bigger cage. Yes, I’ll use hardware cloth if needed :) his current cage is in the living room but it’s a little colder in here. Dips down to 66°F often and even rises to 80°F! I have more temperature control in my bedroom. I just can’t move him in there because I can’t physically move or lift furniture right now. Plus I can’t just move an end table. I’d need to buy another one anyways. It’s a lot to think about…
I just got home from surgery. Tired, in pain and miserable so I checked his water bottle and food then settled myself on the couch. But when I got up to grab some of my meds he was sitting at the edge of cage, staring at me. I held out my hand and he sniffed me for the first time. He didn’t run and hide this time at all. I don’t think I can describe how much that meant to me 😭❤️🩹 or how badly I needed that. I’ve only had him a few days so we haven’t bonded yet
Pets are the best thing to ever happen to us
I currently have about $600 in savings specifically for vet bills. Regular exams are $59, urgent is $75 and rechecks are $38 at my current vet. This is per mouse. I want to have enough savings to handle those, any medical tests needed, 1 tumor removal surgery if needed and euthanasia + full memorial package and ashes if needed.
In the past I lost a cat due to not being prepared for emergency vet bills… I never want to feel that pain and grief again. I rather go in knowing I’m ready to pay it and I did everything I could (within ethical boundaries) if something happened. I plan on $1,000 in savings but that’ll take time and his first vet visit is in July. Should only be the $59 though. Is this enough?
Haven’t decided on neutering or not. There’s risks and I want to see how he does as a solo male with lots of daily attention + talk to his vet before I make my decision.
Decide to put some dried mealworms in one his wicker ball chew toys. Can’t find any good puzzle and foraging toys for mice so had to make my own
First time owner of a male. After I get the peevue 528 I can decide if I want to neuter and pair him or not. I’ll discuss all options, welfare, enrichment, risks, etc. with his vet soon.
He’s in a Ferplast Favola for now. One side is filled about 4” of bedding (not ideal but like I said, getting a bedding cage soon). I’ll also get some acrylic panels for the new cage to allow deeper bedding if I can. This is day 2 with him. I just added the deeper section. Thankfully he was sleeping in the rainbow house so I didn’t disturb him much. He seems so much happier with a deep side. Last pic is the cage I want to get him
Also if someone could please tell me his coloration name is really love to know :) I specifically chose him because he looks like a wild mouse and that’s adorable.
Edit: wheel is 8.5” and main food is bowl fed but treats are scatter fed
I have an annual wellness scheduled to establish him at the vet, check for health issues and do general checks. What should I expect? I have a large critter keeper. Specifically the big one for crickets. I just taped down the little flaps. It fits a little water bottle and a hide with room to walk around but not too much room. He’s a male (in tact) but I want to discuss potentially neutering him at some point.
What exactly is going to happen at the vet?