I agree with LBD that housing an intact male mouse in the small enclosure may not be the best idea, due to the amount of enrichment and interaction they require to thrive. Because although they can not be housed together they are still social animals and so require much more to do to be occupied.
A trio of females could work in the bin but there are a few things I would like to point out:
-Providing ventilation on the sides as well as the top would be a good if possible, due to their delicate respiratory systems and the danger of ammonia build up without sufficient ventilation. In addition, it would make it easier to provide more enrichment that can be attached to the sides.
- The bin may be too small when it comes to keeping an established or rolling group. It’s alright for a trio I would say, however since female mice shouldn’t be housed alone, it is often advised to introduce new mice to the group periodically. This could then leave you with 5-6 mice for a period of time, which in that size bin isn’t ideal. One because of lack of space for multiple wheels and larger hides etc. And two due to the higher risks of ammonia build ups and in turn URIs.
- Also, mice require their enclosures to be PACKED which some people may find difficult in a bin/tank style cage. oDrifted’s rule of thumb is “you shouldn’t be able to see the substrate when looking from directly above”. Therefore, not only should the ground level be taken advantage of and crammed with enrichment the higher should also be used to the same amount. Mice are great and agile climbers and this shouldn’t be compromised. It doesn’t have to be expensive though, my mice used to absolutely love egg boxes! For shredding, sleeping in, making holes to poke out of and climbing on.
However, there is one thing I can’t stress enough if you are considering mice
make sure that you have a vet’s fund at hand. Mice are so fragile and prone to a whole host of illness and health problems, particularly in America where there is the whole live feeding trade. Most mice will require veterinary treatment at some point in their lives and it won’t necessarily be cheap. Not only does a vet’s fund mean you are prepared but it can save a lot of stress because mice can go downhill very very quickly.
As for another pet, this isn’t a rodent but what about millipedes? Bins are great enclosures for them and your size could house a colony of smaller millipedes or a few of a larger species (or species [plural] that can live together). Some may need a source of heat but that can be provided though a heat mat attached to the side of the enclosure (NOT the bottom). I find them very interesting, though I understand they aren’t for everyone!
Hope this helps a little!
Edited by Zula, 05 September 2021 - 04:22 AM.
