Can a male mouse be happy living by himself?

1. 61

   RemmieRat4everposted 13 years ago

   I hate to do this, but I am starting to see one of mice be a little aggressive towards another. I'm considering giving one of my mice away (the more skittish one toward me, but he bullies my other male mouse). I can't pick him up, and he's the one who also gives off the most awful smell. I DON'T want to do this to my sweet mouse, but he crawls up my hand and tries to get away from the meaner mouse.
   
   can they happily live by themselves? I mean, I worry that this slight bullying (pulling of hair, and biting, chasing in a non-playful manner) is going to get worse, and then my sweet little mouse will end up dead...
   They are still young now, not matured yet.

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   1. 61

      RemmieRat4everposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I'm going to give him between 3-7 days trial period to see if it still continues, or becomes worse before making my decision on whether I should keep the *bully* mouse..
      
      Help anyone?

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   2. 83

      psycheskinnerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      The male mus domesticis (house mouse) is naturally quite solitary.  They tend to have a territory that they may share with several females if possible, but they repel all adult males.

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2. 82

   Whitney05posted 13 years ago

   Mice can live by themselves. Some male mice are more territorial than others. Some people experience that as male mice age, they become more aggressive toward other mice. I've seen that in previous pet mice, but my current two males get along great, and they've been together for a while. You'll find that it really all depends on the mice as to whether you can keep them together or not.
   
   Mice do really well with company as they can keep each other busy, but if you're experiencing problems, it's best to separate them.
   
   Sometimes play can be rough, but if it's constant versus occasionally, it's probably bullying. Definitely give it a few days to see what happens, but don't wait too long.
   
   They may be trying to determine dominance, so it may cool down, but definitely keep a close eye on them. Remember mice can be cannibals if given the right circumstance.

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   1. 61

      RemmieRat4everposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      They seem to constantly be fighting with eachother now. Like every 30 minutes or so, especially at night, I will suddenly hear very loud squeaks for about 40 seconds.. then I'll go check to see what's going on, and they're on separate ends of the cage, grooming themselves. I know one day I stuck my hand in there, and one came running onto it and up  my arm, in what I think was an attempt to get away from the other. It makes me a little nervous but I'm trying to stick it out for a few more days because I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing.

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         mega1posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         they need to have places where they can get away from each other - very dangerous for males especially to be in a small cage where they cannot escape the other one - even if you just made them little cardboard box houses - make sure there are two!  or things to climb on to get away.  Maybe they need more toys?

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3. 74

   myownworldposted 13 years ago

   Let me get this right first, are we talking about mice here or men?

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   1. 80

      mega1posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      

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   2. 70

      Beth100posted 13 years agoin reply to this

        too funny MOW! 
      
      Mice can live on their own, but will require toys to keep them busy.  Whitney is correct with her advice.  She's the pro when it comes to our furry friends!

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4. 67

   Joy56posted 13 years ago

   i just hate mice.  Get rid of them botb

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   1. 83

      psycheskinnerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      : (

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