The RSPCA was called to a house in Atherstone, Warwickshire on Sunday April 18 after concerns were raised about the mice being kept in poor conditions.
The rodents are Natal Multimammate mice, known for having many more nipples than a standard mouse - between 16 and 24 - meaning they are prolific breeders and can have large litters. Unfortunately, none of the mice were neutered or separated by sex so the situation had spiralled out of control.
RSPCA inspector Richard Durant attended the property. He said: “This was a situation which had got out of control, some people may not realise that animals will inbreed and steps need to be taken to prevent this. It can be difficult to properly care for this number of animals so we were happy to step in to provide advice to the owner and to help to find the mice new loving homes.”
Richard and his colleagues worked hard alongside the RSPCA’s network of volunteer drivers to find the mice spaces at centres across the country. The mice are now waiting for new owners at centres at RSPCA centres and branches in Derby, Norwich, Martlesham, South Cotswolds, Birmingham, West Hatch (Taunton), and the Isle of Wight.
RSPCA Newbrook Animal Centre in Birmingham has ten males looking for homes from this house. They also have eight further mice in their care looking for homes.
The RSPCA’s Cotswolds centre in Cambridge has 15 mice looking for homes - ten girls and five boys. West Hatch Animal Centre in Taunton has 36 mice - 33 adult females and 3 babies. Millbrook Animal Centre in Chobham has 16 mice looking for homes. RSPCA Martlesham in Suffolk has 11 mice looking for homes.
All the mice will need a spacious glass home with good ventilation where they are able to explore, but not escape. They will need cleaning out regularly and be provided with fun things to play with and chew. They are fascinating to watch, especially when they’re getting up to mischief.
Multimammate mice aren’t always the easiest to handle, so the mice are ideally looking for an experienced home who understands their needs. Anyone interested in adopting a group of multimammate mice, can complete a Perfect match form on the small furries page of the relevant centre’s website.
