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So, there's a mouse in your house? Bet you can't wait to get to know all
about your pet--and your furry friend is curious about you, too. Once your
pet's settled in, you can begin to earn his trust and affection by getting
him used to being handled.
Keeping Pet Mice & Using Food to Welcome Them
Food treats are a great way to jump-start the hand-taming process. Start by
slowly putting your hand in the cage and offering small bits of something
your pet finds particularly delicious. (FYI, sunflower seeds and millet are
notoriously effective bribe foods.) Now's a good time to talk calmly and
softly, getting your pet used to your voice. Don't be surprised if your
mouse decides to investigate your hand after his snack. If this happens,
take care not to make any sudden movements that could frighten your pet.
More on How to Tame Pet Mice
When your mouse is comfortable accepting treats from you, you're ready to
take the next step. To pick up your mouse, gently scoop him into the palm
of your hand and grip tightly as you lift. You can also flank your mouse
with both hands, cupping them together and securely lifting him up. That
wasn't so bad, right? Conduct several two-minute handling sessions every
day for a couple of weeks, and you're on your way to owning a hand-tamed
mouse.
In the beginning stages of hand taming, however, it is best to hold your
pet just above your lap or over a soft surface such as a pillow. An
accidental fall, even from a seemingly insignificant height, can cause
injuries.
Proper Pet Mouse Care Includes Playtime
Once your mouse is hand-tamed, you'll be able to let him exercise out of
the cage every day. These play sessions will keep him physically and
mentally stimulated. You will absolutely need to supervise, however, and
it's best to limit his "play room" to a fairly small mouse-proof space.
That means you'll need to remove electrical cords and anything else your
pet could, but shouldn't, chew on.
In return for your mouse's trust and cooperation during handling, you'll
need to ensure that he's never picked up by someone who hasn't mastered the
proper technique. A mouse should ever picked up by the end or tip of the
tail, for example. And always make slow, deliberate movements when handling
your pet. Quick, jerky motions or loud noises can easily scare him.
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