We caught a baby field mouse running through our house last night...my kids want to keep it as a pet?

Question

They know about diseases and have not touched it or will be if they do keep it...but should I let them? How do they take care of it...I already know what it eats....anyone with experience?

Answer 1

omg, just the fact that you said you knew about diseases makes me say OMG.... let it go and take them to the pet shop and let them pick out a mouse.

dont take unnecessary chances, especially with your children

Answer 2

Don't keep it. They carry many diseases.

Answer 3

No, No and No!  I wouldn't worry as much about diseases as I would fleas and mites.  Wild animals should not be brought indoors.  That's something parents need to teach their children.

If your kids would like a mouse, buy them a feeder rat at the local pet shop.  My son, now 15, had one from age 6 to 11.  They run about a dollar, and can be kept in a small aquarium.  They feed on food you can get at the pet shop or grocery store.  Mostly seed and pellets.  They need a constant supply of fresh water.  They don't grow to RAT size and are easy to handle and train.

Good luck and Happy Summer!

Answer 4

It is a wild animal, please let it go, preferably away from your house so it doesnt find it's way back. They dont live for very long, and keeping it as a pet will shorten its lifespan even more. Please let it go and go to the pet store to get your children pet mice if they want them, you will be able to get plenty of advice from the store staff on keeping mice. Good luck.

Answer 5

I personally wouldn't let them keep it.  It could be carrying god knows what.  I would not want to take the chance.  Explain that to the kids, and take the mouse away from your house and let it go.

Answer 6

not a good idea to keep a wild mice, it may bite alot, it might have diseases, just let it go outside and got to a pet store to buy a pet mouse, they're very cheap.