Wild Mice in the Hutch

[Michelle&Jerry]

Hi everyone,

I have a Mini Rex named Jerry. When the weather is fine I let him out and about in the backyard, but when it rains I have him in a converted garden shed. There is a wooden triangular hutch inside the shed for him to stay in overnight. With the winter weather not being so great, I’ve noticed Jerry’s hay has attracted some wild mice. 

I’ve done my best to make the hutch mouse proof with fine wire mesh, so they don’t bother him at night. Unfortunately this isn’t possible with the actual shed itself, so when he’s roaming the shed they sit in his hay and his food and leave their droppings. I change his hay, food and water when this happens to be on the safe side and sweep everything regularly.

I’m not so keen on killing the mice as they are young and don’t seem to be afraid of me (I just don’t have the heart to do it! Haha). Also, I’m worried about putting traps and bait out incase Jerry comes across them. That being said, they are becoming a problem and have started gnawing on the hutch. I’m thinking of catching them live and keeping them over the winter (am I a crazy animal lady or what?). I won’t be handling them; just housing them.

Has anyone else had mice problems? Should I be worried about them passing on diseases to Jerry? Any advice to deter them? Unfortunately, my landlord won’t allow me to keep a rabbit indoors so that isn’t an option…

[Katie]

I would suggest using a catch and release trap, you can even make one. There are quite a few youtube videos that make it super easy, and wouldn’t harm Jerry if he started to nose around. I personally wouldn’t keep them even if they had a disease that can’t affect you it might affect your bunny. I suggest release them in a field or park if you have any around (weather permitting). 

And welcome to Binky Bunny 

[Author]

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