Convincing Dad to get pet mice!

[Nats Chickens]

Never had Mice.
Never had Rats.
But have to say I’d vote for rats instead. They come in more colors. They are bigger so easier to cuddle. They are a bit sturdier than a mouse.
A rat will be happy to sit on your shoulder. If they get loose their easier to find.
Are you sure you want mice?

Yes.

Hey. . I just have to ask now, you ever gotten to go to Steve Irwins zoo?

No.

Ferret?

Yes. I would love one, but can't afford one. [yet!]

What about budgies?
Mum is not a fan of cage birds, but I am also going to try on a canary or two if the mouse thing doesn't work.
Perhaps your dad simply doesn’t like rodents like mice and rats.
I’m assuming you like birds since you have chickens.
I have often said if I ever can’t have chickens anymore I’ll get a budgie or parrotlet.

I would love a budgie, but don't really want to have one in the bare minimum requirements, and I can't afford a massive aviary, so am going to try for a canary.

 

[Butterscotchbitesfinger]

I have two in a cage in my house but we put the cage outside everyday

 

[Nats Chickens]

Budgies or mice?
Either way you are so lucky!

 

[sourland]

I have had pet rats and pet mice. Rats are much much more intelligent and a whole lot less likely to bite you.

As far as convincing your dad that you should have another pet, I think @townchicks hit the nail on the head.

I agree that rats are a better choice as stated above. Also regardless of how frequently you clean their cages mice have an unpleasant 'funky' odor.

 

[MotherOfPeepPeeps]

I agree that rats are a better choice as stated above. Also regardless of how frequently you clean their cages mice have an unpleasant 'funky' odor.

Not to mention that mice have shorter lifespans.

 

[Izzychicky]

The question really is are you prepared to be cleaning a stinky cage once or twice a week or is your interest in them going to die down. I will admit that when i had a hamster for my birthday when i was 10 I loved the hamster but wouldn’t ever want to clean the cage I would always procrastinate. These are all things you should think about.

 

[WunnySharbit]

I also have to agree with Dad. My daughter had mice and rats when she was in her early teens, and it was a nightmare! She couldn't tame them and they kept trying to run off. No matter how sturdy or escape-proof the cage was, there was always an escapee! If someone, like Doggo, knocks over the cage, you will have mice (or rats) everywhere! Feral mice can carry the same diseases as wild mice and feral rats could go after your chickens, eggs, or chicks. And, yes, they stink. For those of us adults who grew up hunting down that "mouse smell" in the house (or grandma's house), barn, or garage, the answer is a no-brainer. Getting an animal because it's "pretty" or "cute," "I want one! even if Mom and Dad don't" is not how responsible pet owners operate. Think of how many gorgeous animals were purchased because they were pretty or cute with disastrous results. I know they are "just mice," but, as pets, they deserve to be in a place where they are wanted by everyone.

I have guinea pigs and rabbits. Instead of a new pet, have you considered training your piggies to do tricks or agility? A couple of my rabbits enjoyed the agility field, although we were never good (or disciplined!) enough to compete, it was kinda fun. We taught one of our piggs, Mr. Pstetti, some tricks. We also trained one of our chickens to behave, like fitting and showing, and took her to schools at Easter to try to dissuade kids (and parents) from purchasing that "Easter chick" or "Easter bunny."

As an animal-lover myself, I think your time would be much better spent training, educating, volunteering, or whatever may be available in your area to make sure all the animals have a chance, not just the "cute" ones.

 

[Nats Chickens]

The question really is are you prepared to be cleaning a stinky cage once or twice a week or is your interest in them going to die down. I will admit that when i had a hamster for my birthday when i was 10 I loved the hamster but wouldn’t ever want to clean the cage I would always procrastinate. These are all things you should think about.

I clean all my pet cages, I feed all of them, and take care of all of them by myself, except Maverick, because he is a family dog, so everyone does a bit of everything. I definitely want mice, I will try for, them, but if it is unsuccessful, I will drop them, and think of a new, more likely pet. Also, I am too young to volunteer. I am trying to train the guinea pigs, but I am still working on taming. Also, I am trying to train Nim the chook to ride a skateboard.

 

[Animals45]

Do you know a lot about rats and mice? If you do maybe convince your dad by getting them for your birthday or maybe Christmas. If that doesn't work then I'm not sure.

 

[Nats Chickens]

I know a lot.