Tips for a Healthy Mouse
Purchasing a new Mouse:
1)  Look at all the mice in the mouse cage.  Make sure that no mouse in the cage looks sick (lazy, sore eyes, missing hair, drainage from eyes, nose, or ears, any wheezing, or sneezing)


2)  Check out the condition of the cage.  Is it dirty, overcrowded? (this can give you any indication of potential sicknesses the mice could have)


3)  Ask the age of the mice.  If the owner and/or seller of the animals do not know the mouse's age, do not buy from that seller.   Those particular mice could be a year or more old.  The ideal mouse should be young (around 4 weeks old).
If a seller passes this check list, it is probably safe to buy your pet.
One more important piece of information that will be helpful:  After the purchase of a new mouse, it is a good idea to isolate that mouse from your other mice for at least a 2 week period.  This mouse could be carrying a number of diseases and just not showing any symptoms yet.  If you were to place this new mouse in with your other mice as soon as you buy it, you could infect your entire mouse population.  By isolating him/her, you can be prevent what could have been a catastrophy.
Common Ailments:
 
If a mouse seems ill, separate it from its cage mates until you can figure out what's wrong - it may be contagious, or the other mice may pick on it for being sick.


Mites: number one symptom is constant itching and scratching.  Some stores sell a rodent foam for mites that is applied similar to shaving cream.  Also, mite spray made for birds can also work.  Be sure that it is for mites only and not lice.  Gently spray the mouse/mice and clean toys and cage thoroughly.


Sneezing: most often caused by sensitivity to bedding materials.  Remember to NEVER use cedar bedding because it can cause major respiratory problems.  Switch the bedding type and see if that works.  Pine bedding is okay for some mice while others have difficulties.  Carefresh brand bedding or newspaper cut into shreads is good ( try to use newspaper with little ink unless the ink is soy based).  If the sneezing continues please notify a verterinarian.


Rashes: Could be caused by a severe case of mites or an allergic reaction to food, bedding, etc.  Try cleaning the cage thoroughly, treat for mites, but if rash continues a vet should be consulted.


Lumps: Most likely caused by a tumor.  Most tumors develop under the front legs in the mammory glands, but can occur anywhere.  Early detection might feel like a pea under the skin.  If treated early by a vet (removed from the body), the mouse's life could be saved.


Cuts: Treat with hydrogen peroxide.  Use your own discrestion, but some cuts should be checked by a doctor.  They can get infected very easily.  What seems like a small infection to us can be deadly to a mouse.  Keeping them alone in a clean cage is probably the best way to help a cut.  Keep a very close eye on the area around the cut.  If an abcess developes (with a blister-type look) contact a vet immediately.  These abcesses need drained by a doctor.


If your mouse experiences anything other than what I have described above, please call or visit a vet.  When mice start showing symptoms of a sickness you need to get them medical attention immediately.
    When purchasing a pet mouse it is always best to buy from a breeder, but if you do not have access to a breeder in your area buying from a pet store is a secondary option.  When buying, whether from a breeder or a store it is good to know what to look for so you know you will have a healthy mouse.  It is important to know that mice like to interact with one another so it is wise to house two or more together.  Adult males will sometimes fight so it's best to introduce them when they are young (under 3 months).  Below is a checklist to use when buying a mouse:
click the mouse to go home
After quarentining a new mouse, visit the Introduction Page to learn how to introduce your new mouse to its new mouse friends.