[bronzeowl]

One of my gerbils passed away today. I now have an empty tank. I hate letting tanks or cages sit empty (it makes me feel sad seeing them empty), so I often jump right to getting a new pet.

I don't want another gerbil. They fair best in pairs. My last pair didn't work out, and I had to separate them. So, I had to downsize their tanks for space reasons. And the tank would not be big enough for a pair of gerbils.

I am left with a dilemma. Do I get a new pet for the tank? Or sell it?

I was considering mice. I've never had a mouse, though. I've heard the tank will suffice for a single, male mouse but that females should always be kept in pairs. How much space would a female mouse pair need? And I was, also, wondering how mice are with taming? I've heard they're a bit more skittish than gerbils, so I imagine they'd be tough to tame?

Also... I'm open to other ideas on what pet might work for me. I'm currently looking for a low maintenance pet (so no reptiles, obviously) that will be a bit aloof, but will accept some minor handling. Would a mouse fit this description?

[Fresia]

I have had mice in the past. They can be a real delight; very animated and fun to be with.

They can be hard to sex and recommend only getting one or you will have way more in no time; there are risks of overcrowding and nowhere to go with them. It is not the case that two females need to be kept together. I would definitely recommend only getting one especially depending on the size of the tank. If the shop is good at sexing, a male is preferred as they are more docile and accepting of people, with fewer surprises down the road of little ones.

[bronzeowl]

I've heard they can be animated. I like the idea of that. I have a Syrian hamster, too, and while I love Charlie dearly, he's not as 'animated' as the gerbils always have been. Part of the fun for me is in watching them. Gerbils have great personalities, and I've heard mice can,too.

Sexing hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs has always been easy for me. So, mice aren't as easy? That sounds rather scary, as I definitely don't want a family of mice! lol In that case, one should do. Male gerbils are the same way. It seems most male rodents are more docile than the females, then?

Thank you for your input. It really helps.

What about a rat? you could get a rat.

[cherrykix]

I've had pet mice in the past. I had a pair of girls, and I loved them. They are shy though, and while one would climb into my hand, then other would screech if my fingers got too close. They are adorable, and fun, but can be smelly. Glass aquariums especially

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[RichardBrooks]

I have more experience with laboratory mice than pets (per se), but they are highly trainable, have definite personalities, and are social, so I can see how they'd make good pets. I would recommend just having one per cage-- not only do they breed like nothing else, but they can be aggressive toward each other. Also, make sure to give it plenty to do as they are very curious and energetic. They're also quite the escape artists.