Have a mouse - should I let it go?

[theatereleven]

Hi everyone...my first post!

This week at work I was down in the warehouse and noticed an insect trap that had a poor little mouse stuck to it (the glue based traps). I nudged the mouse with my foot and it moved a little...couldn't let it die.

Managed to peel the mouse off the glue and gave it a bath. It couldn't even walk or use its legs. It is tiny...doesn't seem to be an infant, but just a really small mouse.

Have fed it wheat crackers, water, raw veggies/fruit and cheese. It has been a few days now and the little squirt can run around like normal. But...I'm afraid to let her go. I mean, the minute I do she is going to get eaten, stuck in another trap, etc.

So here's my question: should I just get a nice terrarium and keep her? I'm great with animals so that isn't a question, but I hate to take away freedom. However, if something like a cat or owl is just going to get this mouse upon release....well, that doesn't make sense either.

All opinions welcome!

- kyler boudreau

[Kayleigh]

Hi theatereleven and welcome to WAB

Its good you rescued the mouse from the trap.
But it is wild and deserves to take its chance in life. It would be wrong to keep it as a pet.

[Coley]

I agree with Kayleigh, It could have a family somewhere and young that depend on her. You can't save them all but you gave this one a second chance, I would have done the same thing . It may have learned to stay away from those sorts of traps now. There are so many mice in this world I think they have sussed out how to get on in life without our help. Just let her go near to where you found her.

[Lance Morgan]

Let it go - Less work for you too

[djackso]

That's a tricky one, theatereleven, but maybe there are places that you could think of with slightly fewer dangers?

If you keep it, what are you going to do when you friend wants to find a mate? Would you want to deny it it's freedom then? Maybe you'll find another one, what if they breed - what do you do with all the young?

Personally, I would let it go.

[theatereleven]

Thanks everyone....then I'll let her go. Appreciate the input! Someone suggested let her go near the same spot - that was in a building. But guess that is familiar territory and if she avoids the traps at least there aren't any predators.

[djackso]

Good for you - I'm sure you are doing the right thing

[theatereleven]

I'm a little late in replying, but the hyper rodent was released right back where I found her (after shelving the glue trap).

Guess the poison for the bugs in those traps isn't enough to kill a little mouse - albeit she couldn't even walk right for a day or two after. I think there was temporary paralysis....but by the end of the week it was tricky just to grab her for release - round and round the box she ran.

Yay!

[Kayleigh]

Good on ya

[vole-woman]

Well done you - it can be so hard to let something go that you love.

If you like small rodents, can I suggest a hamster? I've had such fun with mine, and the more you interact with them, the better pet they are.

[Gill Catton]

I hate those glue traps I think they're awful......

[annmaria]

Always learning something new on this site , never heard of glue traps......sounds quite cruel.
Its Nice to read about a good ending
Annmaria

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by vole-woman

If you like small rodents, can I suggest a hamster? I've had such fun with mine, and the more you interact with them, the better pet they are.

Nothing against hamsters but my sons tried them all over the years and the general consensus was that gerbils were more fun and more intelligent. [I have no personal views on the matter!]

[vole-woman]

Oh well, there you are, theatreleven - the wonderful word of rodents is at your feet. You could adopt a tame rat, a mouse, a chinchilla, a guinea pig or a dwarf Rabbit if you want something small to cuddle. I'm sticking with my hammy, though. He's a wee star!