Mice are social, active, and curious — and can become used to handling with some time and patience. After they become used to their new cage home, you can start getting them used to you and your family.
- Spend time around the cage. Let the mice hear your voice. Don’t move too quickly or speak too loudly.
- Offer a treat through the bars of the cage — try millet or sunflower seeds.
- Offer a treat on the palm of your hand. You can move the treat up your arm gradually, to encourage the mouse to climb into your hand and up your arm.
Take your time with each step. Taming an animal isn’t quick and isn’t always easy. You may need to spend weeks trying to coax your pet mouse onto your hand. Be careful once your mouse does come onto your hand — even a short fall can cause serious injuries. Try to keep your hands close to your body, above your lap, or over a soft surface in case the mouse falls or jumps.
The best way to pick up a mouse is to scoop it up in your cupped hand. Don’t squeeze too tightly or you may injure your pet! If the mouse is nervous about being picked up, you can hold the base of the tail with one hand and support the rest of the body with the other hand. This will help prevent the mouse from jumping out of your hand. Grasp ONLY the base of the tail — holding the tail towards the tip may cause it to break.
If your mouse is skittish or not completely tamed, you can pick him up in a paper cup or in a tube with one end covered. Place the cup or tube on its side near the mouse and gently herd him in. You can the use the cup or tube to carry your mouse around if he won’t let you pick him up in your hand.
If you have no other choice, you can pick up a mouse by the base of the tail. It won’t hurt the mouse, but it may be uncomfortable. It can also be stressful! Use this technique as your last resort.