Should I Keep My Caught Mouse Companion?

Keeping a wild mouse as a pet is not recommended. Wild mice can carry infections and diseases, and they can also transmit these illnesses to humans. Wild mice can be aggressive and will bite when they feel threatened. They can also be very stressful for the mouse, as they are not used to being handled by humans and will experience stress when put in a cage. If you do decide to keep a wild mouse, it is crucial to capture it before its eyes are open so that it can bond with you and be handled easily. Additionally, it is important to provide the mouse with a comfortable living space, fresh drinking water, clean bedding, and a means of exercise.

Wild mice can carry diseases and infections

Wild mice can carry a variety of diseases and infections, which they can transmit to humans through bites, handling, and contact with their fecal matter, urine, and saliva. Hantavirus, for instance, is a worldwide disease with no cure, no specific treatment, and no vaccine. It is spread through the air and by body fluids, and can cause fever, muscle pain, severe coughing, fluid in the lungs, and even death. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) is another disease carried by wild mice, which can cause fever, malaise, lack of appetite, muscle aches, headache, nausea, and vomiting. In pregnant women, LCM can lead to fetal death, pregnancy termination, or serious birth defects such as vision problems, mental retardation, and hydrocephaly.

Salmonellosis, caused by Salmonella bacteria, is another infection commonly associated with wild mice. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and abdominal cramps within 12 to 72 hours of infection. Leptospirosis, transmitted through mouse urine-tainted water, can lead to kidney damage and liver failure if left untreated.

In addition to these, wild mice can also carry the bubonic plague, Lyme disease, and various tick-borne diseases such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Colorado tick fever. They can also transmit foodborne illnesses such as salmonella through contact with their feces and urine.

Therefore, it is essential to take precautions when encountering wild mice, such as wearing gloves and masks, and seeking medical attention if any symptoms of the aforementioned diseases are observed.

Wild mice can bite

Wild mice can and will bite. No matter how cute they look, even domesticated mice have been known to bite their owners. Biting can transmit diseases and infections, and being bitten is not a pleasant experience.

Mice have strong front teeth that can break the skin. Their bite can cause a sharp pinching sensation and draw blood. Usually, their bite causes a single puncture wound.

Mice bites usually aren't serious, but it's still recommended to see a doctor if you get bitten. The main threat of rodent bites is the risk of infection. Mice carry bacteria and viruses that can lead to potentially lethal conditions.

Mice and rats can spread disease through their saliva, faeces, or urine. They also often host mites, fleas, and other parasites that can transmit diseases to people.

If you're bitten by a mouse, immediately clean and dry the wound and apply an antiseptic. It's recommended to see a healthcare professional to prevent life-threatening illnesses.

Wild mice can be stressed by human interaction

Stress can significantly shorten their life span.

Wild mice are difficult to tame

Some wild mice might get used to you and climb onto your hand, but at the slightest startle, their instinct will kick in and they will bite you with all their might. Stress can also significantly shorten their lifespan.

Taming a wild mouse requires a lot of time and effort, and even then, the degree of tameness you end up with will vary. Wild mice are as individual as people, and their responses to taming techniques will differ. For example, some mice can be "bribed" with treats, but others will not be coaxed.

If you want a pet mouse, it is best to get a domesticated mouse from a pet store or breeder.

Wild mice may not be legal to keep as pets

If you have any shot of successfully transitioning a wild mouse to a domestic mouse, you will need to capture it relatively young but not too young. If you stumble upon a pink, hairless mouse, leave it be. These newborns are still dependent on their mothers for nourishment. In just two to three days, the babies will have fur, and their eyes will still be closed. If a person is intent on capturing a wild mouse, this is the time to do it. If you can catch a baby before its eyes open, the mouse will get used to your scent, and when it opens its eyes, it will see you as a member of the family. The ability to bond before the eyes open allows you to handle the mouse like any other domestic mouse, able to hold it and hand-feed it. The baby mouse will need to be fed with an eyedropper, and it is best to talk with a veterinarian about a proper diet.

Older mice, or even younger ones capable of sight, will find it difficult to adapt to cage life. The animal will also likely never trust you enough to be held or hand-fed. It is also important to understand that mice can and will bite when they feel threatened. It is always the stance of professional and accredited wildlife services to discourage the capture and domestication of wild animals, even mice.

Like many wild animals, mice can carry infections and diseases. The CDC warns that rodents are known carriers of several diseases, including Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, Omsk hemorrhagic fever, and Lymphocytic choriomeningitis. While many of the illnesses listed are rare, rodents are known to transmit these illnesses, meaning capturing a mouse or any other wild rodent as a pet is not a good idea. Keep yourself and your family safe by investing in a domesticated animal and leave wild things alone.

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