Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is it normal for mice to sort of buzz or vibrate? Sometimes when I pick some of my mice up and they're sitting in my palm they buzz. That is the best word to describe it that I can think of. There is no sound that I can hear when they do this. They seem healthy and I've not noticed a differance in the ones that buzz and the ones that don't.

Thanks for any help,

Nisa

if you are describing what i think you are describing, it is normal but it means they are terrified, so not good to have.

It may be better to stop picking up the mice, but instead interact act with them through the cage. Talk to them so they become used to your voice and scent. Offer treats through the bars of the cage etc. Once they are comfortable and come out of hiding when you are near the cage, open the cage and lower your hand carefully, with treats on the palm of your hand. Move slowly, rest your hand flat on the ground or near something they can climb on easily...let them come to your hand for the treat. Once they are comfortable coming to your hand to eat treats, you can carefully lift them out of the cage. SIt near the cage so the mice have your body to explore (rest hands on your chest, so they can move off and on you hand again. You will find they will treat your hand as a safe point as they slowly explore around it. Be prepared to have to pick up poop and droplets of pee...mice are not good about keeping it in while out of the cage. Drapping an old towel over you beforehand will help protect your clothing and make it easier to scoop up all the poop in one movement.

Key word is taking your time, don't rush things. Let the mouse see you as something positive. We are very big and scary to mice, mice who spend their lives trying not to be eaten by bigger things. Mice are curious so eventually will come out of hiding to see what is going on, and once they see you are not out to eat them, they can be very friendly. Expect at least a week for each stage and if it takes longer for some mice, don't get discouraged.
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PHLdyPayne

Some of my mice are a little shakier than others. I think it's normal. If they're not showing any sign of sickness I think it's fine. I think maybe it's like some small dogs... know what I mean? My mom had a chihuahua once and she shook all the time. That's what it's like with some of my mice. The more skittish ones do it, and the friendly ones who like being held don't do it. I don't think it's anything to worry about unless there's some sign of sickness or injury.
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Kadee Sedtal

home of old lady Lucy (boxer/lab/garbage disposal), pretty girl Fancy (beagle), Crusher (yorkie), the rats-Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Pachebel, Fillmore, and Franz, the mice- Vivaldi, Schubert, Bartok, Johann, Giordi LaForge, Dorothy, Glenda, Em, and Rosa, and the wonderful winter white dwarf hamster- Feather
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