Can a wild mouse live with pets?

Answer 1

The answer should probably be "No". I researched this online and it is always recommended against. But, I caught a wild mouse and keep her as a pet rather than kill her or release her to the cold Chicago winter. She ran on her wheel and explored her cage for a few weeks, but then quit. I was worried that she was getting lonely so I bought another female from the pet store. They live together fine without issues. They sometimes sleep together and sometimes sleep in separate houses. The only concern is that 90% of wild mice carry diseases and may pass them on to the store bought mice.

My answer is yes, I have had field mice to live over 3 years in with my domestic mice. For 4 years now I have been trying to cross breed field mice with domestic ones. No success with the cross breeding yet, It seems that the male domestic mice are too large and cause the female field mice to hemorrhage when breeding, I have not been able to keep a male field mouse long enough to breed with a domestic female yet.

Answer 2

I wondered about this, but the answer is definitely no! All wild mice carry a disease called LCMV and may carry other diseases in the wild that domestic pets (and people) are not immune to. Hamsters and guinea pigs can become infected with LCMV and other diseases from contact with wild mice. Never, ever keep a wild mouse. If you capture one humanely, release it to the wild in a safe habitat near sources of water, shelter and food.

Answer 3

Technically, yes, but the wild mice may carry diseases that could make both you and your mouse sick. Also, the wild mice may not get along well with your mice.