Free-Roaming Time?

[Aiko]

Hi! Would you be able to free-roam mice? For playtime and such

Similar to how you might a hamster, or similar animal.

And would they poo/pee unwanted on things? Thanks!

[homesweethammyhome]

Hello free roaming a mouse depends entirely on the specific mouse in my opinion. Others on here may have more knowledge than I do but I'll give it a shot. Each mouse is different in terms of temperament but generally mice, like hamsters, do not like open spaces being prey animals. They need a crowded cage so will also need a safe and crowded free roam spot. In my opinion free roaming a mouse would not compare to free roaming a hamster because mice are a lot smaller and would be very difficult to catch if they run away. They can also squeeze through the smallest of holes and chew through things quickly. So for their safety I would take extra precautions. I actually do not free roam our rescue mice but use play bins to give them out of their cage time safely. Also they do pee and poo everywhere uncontrollably. They identify their surroundings by scenting where they are and have been. This helps them navigate better being that they don't see well so expect and be prepared for lots of pee and poo. Fact of life lol.

[Flora]

I like to free roam my animals especially the more delicate small ones in a baby pool. This keeps them from running away or going through holes that I didn't see. I use a collapsible one as well so it doesn't take up so much room.

[Aiko]

Nov 13, 2020 17:27:11 GMT -2 homesweethammyhome said:

In my opinion free roaming a mouse would not compare to free roaming a hamster because mice are a lot smaller and would be very difficult to catch if they run away. They can also squeeze through the smallest of holes and chew through things quickly. 

Thank you for your great reply! I will keep in mind the needs of each specific mice and what they are comfortable with

I would like to say though, it depends on your hamster for their size comparison to mice. My roborovski is only around 1.5-2" and ~24g and very speedy. She can easily slip through small holes as well, and it's almost impossible to hold her without scruffing her (which I don't do unless absolute necessary). But I do very much see how there could be a difference with a larger dwarf, chinese, or syrian hamster. 

[Aiko]

Nov 14, 2020 17:45:24 GMT -2 Flora said:

I like to free roam my animals especially the more delicate small ones in a baby pool. This keeps them from running away or going through holes that I didn't see. I use a collapsible one as well so it doesn't take up so much room.

Would a playpen such as this work or would it be unsuitable:
www.amazon.com/Amakunft-Breathable-Transparent-Chinchillas-Hedgehogs/dp/B07XL93FNW/ref=zg_bs_17592600011_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=E9KQP4B1NVGDTD3MD3DH

(Of course I would be supervising during playtime, wanted to point that out!)

[Flora]

Yep, that would work!