How to Tame a Mouse You Got From the Pet Store

That adorable mouse you just bought from the pet store will likely make a loving pet in just a few weeks, but if you try to pick it up today, you may get bitten and it will likely jump out of your hands. Like most pets, you will need to work carefully to tame your new mouse. With a little bit of patience, and less time than you might think, you can turn that wild mouse into a pet that is easily handled.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cup
• Millet or sunflower seeds

How to Tame a Mouse You Got From the Pet Store

1. Remember that a mouse you buy from the pet store is not tame, so you will need patience and time to tame it. If you need to move it before it is tame, do so by herding it into a cup and carrying it in the cup.

2. Give your mouse time to adjust to its new habitat. When it seems comfortable in its new home, begin the taming process.

3. Spend time near the habitat talking to the mouse. This will help it to adjust to the sound of your voice.

4. Offer the mouse a treat from your hand when it seems comfortable with you standing near the habitat and talking. Do not force the mouse to eat the treat, but hold your hand in the habitat with the treat on your fingertips.

5. Pick up the mouse only when it is comfortable eating from your hand. Do so by encouraging it to walk into your hand as you offer a treat.

6. Scoop up the mouse by cupping it in your hand, but do not squeeze tightly. If it is wiggling quite a bit, hold the very base of its tail near the body.

7. Practice holding the mouse on a regular basis, and soon it will be comfortable being handled.

Tips & Warnings

• If you must, you can hold a mouse by the base of its tail near the body. However, this is alarming to the mouse and will not help it trust you as you tame it. Regularly handling your mouse is the best way to tame it, but take it slowly to give your new pet a chance to adjust.
• Never hold a mouse high in the air. Falls, even short ones, can lead to serious injury. Do not hold a mouse by the end of its tail, as this can cause the tail to break.

Resources

• How to Pick up a Mouse
• Pet Mice
• General Care and Information About Pet Rats and Mice