Mice in outside cage

[ENZO]

I'm new to the board didn't know if there was a search function. Anyway my wife and I have been fostering baby squirrels for several years and all has gone well.

My question is that recently I have noticed an occasional mouse in the cages of two of our non releasables. I am concerned if they are a hazard to our two squirrels they are just over two years old and appear to be healthy.

Just noticed the search function but any input would be appreciated.

[MollyBear361]

Have you tried making sure you pick up all the food. That's what they are going for. I went out the other night to see if my released guys ate their food and felt something jump out of the feeder. Rat. Now I bring food inside at night.

[ENZO]

Yes this is something we need to do but one problem is that one of the two can be aggressive. The problem is there at any given time usually I have noticed this mouse in the cage in the afternoons so removing the food is not really an option although yes any left overs can be removed by a certain point of the day. I guess another question may be how long to leave the food in the cage. Honestly since the mice have been seen at different times of the day my real concern is are they a threat to our outside caged squirrels.

[farrelli]

I do believe that mice carry things harmful to squirrels. Can you give us a description (or pictures) of their living conditions and their diet?

[ENZO]

I'll try to download some pics tomorrow. My wife and I battle constantly regarding their diet they get Mazuri rodent block, maybe three almonds a day then a mixture of sweet potato carrots mushrooms broccoli brussel sprouts sometimes fresh green beens. The veggies vary slightly occasional apple in very limited amounts.

[farrelli]

The diet sounds fine. Are they in a barn? Are their cages large? Do they get out of cage time? How do you think the mice are gaining access?

Your account may not be approved by tomorrow, but if you tell us that you have pictures, one of us will give your our email and we will post them for you.

[ENZO]

No barn their cages are outside with nesting boxes inside. One cage is roughly 4x3x6 the other is a combination of two cages connected by a PVC pipe. They are covered by clear heavy plastic panels. One of the cages touches the ground the other is raised on metal posts. Which may have to be my solution for the one touching the ground. To raise the other from the ground on the stakes. Also will have to move it away from a fence which is how the mouse gets into the other cage. So quite a project as I will basically be doing all of the work myself.

My concern was if the mice were a hazzard and one reply said yes so that's good enough for me. Bad weather today hopefully it passes quick and I will reposition and relocate the cages...

Thaks to all who replied