Mouse weight problems?

Question

I have two female mice around 4months old, one is very overweight (Cappuccino, 39grams), and the other is underweight (Ink, 25g).

Cappuccino lets Ink around the food bowl, but she just sort of sits in there and doesn't move when Ink tries to push her away. They have a wheel which they both run on, but Ink runs on more. In the morning she is still awake when Cappuccino is alseep, but she doesn't go for the food bowl, instead she goes to the wheel instead.

I remove all the sunflower seeds from their diet and give them fresh veges and fruits like peas and apples.

I can't switch their diet to lab blocks because they don't sell them at my local pet store.

And I'm 100% sure Cappuccino is not pregnant..

What can I do to get Ink gain weight and get Cappuccino to lose some?

Should I handfeed Ink every night, and take Cappuccino out to play more often? I dont have a hamster ball so I normally just take them to the bathtub.

Any other suggestions would be great, thanks.

Answer 1

sounds like you're doing all the right things!  

where is the "fat" located? is cappuccino just bigger in general or does she just have a big fat belly?

if it's obvious its unnatural fat, i would first put another wheel in the cage just so the opportunity is always there for both to run. and maybe give your diet changes some more time.

but other than that, cappuccino just might be a big girl! keep eyes open for other health behavior clues like labored breathing or difficulty walking or eating.

Answer 2

When she walks and you look down at her does it look like a pear shape? How long have you have these mice? what knid of mice are they? Is it half rat? Email me answers to those questions and then I'd be able to give you an answer.

[e-mail]

Answer 3

I would be to concerned about Cappaccino being over wait. I've had a over weight mouse before, and he was healthy, just lazy.

Ink on the other hand I would try putting in a diff cage from the other mouse, to see if maybe there's a problem between the two. I would also suggest taking her to like pets mart and asking a professional about it.