What Does My Mouse’s Behavior Mean?

Is your mouse grooming himself?

Is your mouse grooming himself excessively?

Do your mice chase after each other?

Is your mouse standing up?

Is your mouse wagging its tail?

Is your mouse burrowing?

Is your mouse more active at night?

Is your mouse wiggling with his whiskers?

Is your mouse moving his bedding in one spot?

Does your mouse grinds his teeth?

A mouse that spends an inordinate amount of time vigorously grooming himself might be a nervous or stressed-out mouse. A mouse might find a new/unfamiliar environment stressful, or he can become nervous if he is suddenly housed with other mice he does not know.

Mice like to keep themselves clean and will groom themselves periodically throughout the day. Moderate grooming is normal behavior for mice.

Mice are known to chase one another for the sheer fun of it. This is typical behavior of young mice. Mice in a fight might also chase one another. This type of chase might be a way to show dominance. The difference between playful chasing and aggressive chasing is that mice in play don’t touch one another.

A singly kept pet mouse might stand up on his hind legs to get a better view of something that catches his attention or to catch a closer whiff of something he smells. If you have two or more mice, they might stand up as they prepare to fight. This type of interaction is more likely to occur between two males.

In mice, tail wagging is an expression of annoyance, or outright aggression if it is directed at another mouse.

Burrowing is a natural behavior of mice. If you provide it with a generous layer of bedding material your mouse will burrow its way through it to create a place to retreat to.

Mice are mostly nocturnal animals so it is normal for them to be more active during the night. The best time for interacting with your mouse is in the evening hours.

Mice don’t have great eyesight, but what they lack in visual acuity they make up in a tactile sense. Their long whiskers help them navigate around their environment, especially in darkness.

Your mouse is making a nest, which will likely be his favorite place to rest.

A mouse’s teeth continuously grow, so teeth grinding is nature’s way of keeping them filed. A healthy diet and a plentiful supply of safe items to chew also help keep tooth length in check. Mice usually grind their teeth when they are relaxed.

The position of your mouse’s ears can be a clue as to his mood. A curious mouse is inclined to perk his ears up or forward. If the ears are down and pointed back, the mouse is showing a defensive posture, especially if this is accompanied by stiff body language.