help my mice (if they need it)

[nogoodnature]

I got 2 mice black and white male and female. I got them 2 nights ago. They were very active, and they ran around alot. I got them home, and put them in a medium sized tupperwear under my bed, with a lamp for light and a crack for air. I gave them a water dish that they drink from, and they seem to like the marble sized food nuggits that I gave them (store bought and reccomended) I also cut up a baby carrot that they don't seem to like so much. When I woke up today the mice are much less active, although they sit on eachother sideways and cuddle
I put a cloth down on one side of the box, they just sit on it in the corner and sometimes climb the edge. The mice sometimes sneaze, or make a sound like a sneaze, and I am very worried. How can I make them more happy, healthy, and active? - They seem to like red peppers too. Are they sick, or just less active?

[Vanilla_Rat]

Sneezing? That could be a respitory infection brewing.What kind of shavings are you using? Pine and cedar are BAD and usually bring on RI's.You will need to call your vet and get antibiotics to treat them.

Are they getting enough ventialtion?Those tupperware bins are good for housing mice,but you NEED proper ventilation.

Also I recommend you seperate them.I can almost gaurantee that the female is pregnant now.She will have a litter and within a few hours she can get pregnant again.

Honestly you should call the vet.They sound sick to me.Make sure it is a vet that specializes in rodents.

[nogoodnature]

I don't use bedding (for now) I just got them and I have been using clean rags that they seem to like to curl up in. Also, the mice do not appear to be sick, allthough I'm gonna have them looked at anyways. They just make little noises once in a while with their mouth. The mice were doing this since the night I brought them home, but they eat and drink enough. When should I expect the babies? and should I have them looked at now or can I wait a few days? and how much do you think it will cost? Thankyou for your help. -JeffV

[KrazyKritter]

Sounds to me like maybe they're getting too hot. I would get them to a vet asap.. vet fees can vary, but probably anywhere from $20 - 50 for a office visit? Sneezing is common in mice when they're over-heated.. I'd try getting them in a more open-aired cage. :-)

[Vanilla_Rat]

Quote: Originally Posted by nogoodnature I don't use bedding (for now) I just got them and I have been using clean rags that they seem to like to curl up in. Also, the mice do not appear to be sick, allthough I'm gonna have them looked at anyways. They just make little noises once in a while with their mouth. The mice were doing this since the night I brought them home, but they eat and drink enough. When should I expect the babies? and should I have them looked at now or can I wait a few days? and how much do you think it will cost? Thankyou for your help. -JeffV

Oh okay...thats good you don't use pine.But little sounds like that,often mean a RI.Let us know how it goes at the vet!

Well were they housed together when you got them?Since you have housed them together since you got them,the female is most likely pregnant.She will give birth between 21-23 days.Also only a few hours after giving birth,she can get pregnant again.

[WhiskersNTails]

Actually the gestation for a mouse is 18-24 days but the norm is 20-21

[pinkie1205]

I've always read 21-23. It's a good 2 weeks, and usually to the day. Why are you keeping them under your bed? I think they're getting too hot and they do need ventilation.

[nogoodnature]

The mice are not under my bed anymore, I have them housed nicely in seperate cages. how can I tell if the female is pregnant, she dosen't look much bigger.

[ratty_ratkins]

if she is pregnate she will get pear shaped and get pretty huge with nipples.

lets hope she isnt pregante