Will they get along?

Question

I have 2 mice, Kess (1yr 4mths) and Noella (10mths) and I recently bought a new baby whom I called Nymph.
When I introduced them on a neutral level, they were fine, but in Kess and Noella's tank, Noella was aggressive to the point when she drew blood.
I had to separate them.
Now that they're separated, it's been a few days with several neutral-territory sessions, and Noella has stopped biting and attacking Nymph and Nymph is getting much more confident around the two. She has also gotten very close to Kess to the point that they huddle together to groom themselves.
I have yet to try and put them in the tank again.

Do you think they're getting better?
Will they get along?
Would they get along better if I bought a new tank and some new toys?

Answer 1

It sounds like they are getting used to each other. Keep trying and make sure to watch them closely. Sometimes if they are starting to fight a quick whack on the cage is enough to make them stop. Eventually they will learn to get along and live together. At the moment they are in a dominance struggle. This is typical amongst newly introduced mice. The fact that she is already bonding with one of the other mice is a good sign that things will be o.k. Good luck!
dave<:3}~...OWNER/ SHAGGYMOUSE YAHOO GROUP

Answer 2

In addition to Megan's advice, you might re-arrange the dishes, toys & everything else in their tank so it's even *less* established territory. A couple of completely new toys would be a good idea too. Also, I usually place a bit of used bedding from the newbie's cage into the other cage & vice versa, so they can get used to each others' scent-- this would be before the intensive scrubbing & re-arranging.
It sounds like Kess is more accepting of Nymph, so they are making some progress. Hopefully, Nolella will accept Nymph as well. If Noella simply refuses to play nice, it would be good to allow Kess & Nymph regular play sessions together so no-one gets lonely. Good luck.

Answer 3

You have to gradually introduce the mice on neutral ground (as you have been) especially since the new mouse is a baby and may get hurt more easily. This can take several days to several weeks, depending on Noella. Because she was aggressive enough to draw blood, you should make sure she is more comfortable around Nymph before you put them together again. Also, thoroughly cleaning the cage with soap and water and putting fresh bedding in can help diminish any territorial reactions Noella may be having. When you decide to put them in the tank again, make sure you watch very closely and be careful if you have to intervene so that you won't get bitten.
One thing that I have read about introducing rats is to put vanilla extract on them to hide their scents from each other- I'm not sure if this is recommended for mice, so you should do a little more research if you're interested in that.

Answer 4

you could try to do this if it does not work it will have to be separate cages for good... take the already established cage with the older mice and give it a good cleaning with a "animal safe bleach-type" cleaner this will make the tank they are in seem to be a new one...do not put toys or anything back in that has the older mice's scent on it ...put all 3 mice in and sit back...if blood is drawn separate, if not let them be for a day or two then if all goes well you can give back the toys exc.

Answer 5

i would not do that they will mate like crazy talk about some mice but other then that i thank they will be fine together just watch them when you first put them in with each other