Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a small male mouse that I was keeping separated from the other 3 that I have. When I had first gotten this mouse, I got him with another, but this mouse kept biting at the other's foot, so I took him back and got 3 different ones. I kept the one that had been bitten in a separate tank so that he could recover, he ended up losing a toe and for a while the bone was sticking out, but the skin has since grown over it. The one thing about this mouse is that he seems to be very healthy, except that his skin is very dry and he seems to be losing a lot of fur around his head, neck and shoulders. If anyone has any insight on what might be going on, it would be greatly appreciated if you share, maybe I can help him somehow.

Hair loss could be caused by several things. Mites and other external parasites, allergies either to food or bedding, stress, or vitamin and mineral deficiency. Old age can also cause hair loss. More information about how you are keeping him, any recent changes since you notice the hair loss and dryness will help determine what is wrong.
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PHLdyPayne

It's quite possible that it is stress related. I recently re-introduced him to the other 3 mice I have had, he was taken away about 2 months ago because I was afraid one of the other mice might prevent his toe from healing properly. He also was eating pretty much only barley for a few weeks, I have put some vitamins in their food and have added a few other things to the food. He seemed fine when he was in the smaller cage away from the other mice, but he seems to be adjusting well. Yesterday when I came home from work, all 4 mice were cuddled up in the corner sleeping, which I think is a good sign.

barley shouldn't be the only food mice are getting. Mice need a variety of foods, including mixed seeds (wild birdseed mix is good, it doesn't seem to have as much sunflower seeds as other mixes). A quality lab block is good as well. Grain based non sweetened cereals are great treats, such as cheerios.
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PHLdyPayne

i wasnt purposely only feeding him barley, i had some wild bird food mixed into it, but he would pick that out and only eat the barley. he has been doing much much better since i moved him in with the other mice a little while ago.