Those who have had animals for years know exactly what we mean by “the zoomies.” It is when a specific animal, especially dogs and cats, gets a large burst of energy and starts running around the yard or house, all frantic, like it is in a huge rush to get somewhere specific!

The most significant difference is that dogs often run back and forth in the same area and direction in these zoomie mindsets. For example, your dog might run back and forth on the fence line for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how much energy it needs to release. Because of this, one might wonder if pet mice are the same way and if they also get the zoomies.

Mice do indeed get the zoomies, but it is a little different from what we might have grown accustomed to with other animals. However, when you see your mouse having the zoomies, they feel joy, happiness, playfulness, and overall good feeling.

In this article, we will discuss whether mice can be hyperactive, whether popcorning and zoomies are the same, and what other behaviors you might see your mouse exhibit. If you plan on getting a mouse or are new to owning one, these questions or concerns are relevant to what you need to know. We encourage you to continue reading for more information.

Are Popcorning and Zoomies the Same Thing for Mice?

 

Mice often pop popcorn if they are feeling excited or playful, but if it is the same as the zoomies, the answer is no, it is not. Zoomies often refer to energetic running, whereas popcorning looks like they are slightly jumping up while walking around. When mice have the zoomies, they scurry around the room or wherever they are. Overall, both of these behaviors display that your mouse is extremely happy.

 

Can Pet Mice Be Hyperactive?

 

As many know, hyperactivity means someone or something cannot settle down and has difficulty sitting still. Often, those with hyperactivity cannot stop doing what they are doing, and someone has to remind them that it is okay to stop for a moment and relax.

However, you may notice that your mouse is doing the same thing and wonder if it can also be hyperactive. Pet mice can also be hyperactive, but it is imperative to tell the difference between hyperactivity vs. normal behavior.

 

Hyperactive Behavior

 

• Sudden changes in behavior: your mouse becomes aggressive, skittish, or fearful.

 

• Health concerns: grooming habits, weight, or appetite changes randomly.

 

• Behavior repetition: Constant sctatching, jumping, or performing specific actions without a purpose.

 

• Their movements are uncontrolled and excessive: this could look like running around in a frantic motion that is hard for you to handle, jumping nonstop, etc.

 

Normal Behavior

 

On the other hand, mice are very curious animals primarily active at night. They love to scavenge for food, climb, run, and play. If these behaviors occur, then your mouse is acting completely normal.

 

Are Pet Mice Playful?

 

Mice are playful! They love chasing, wrestling, standing up, grooming, and sniffing. On top of this, they love burrowing and digging. Pet mice also love a great adventure with tunnels, mazes, tubes, etc. One might even become creative about how each obstacle course is done, but remember always to give them treats once they complete it! This will also help you form a stronger bond with your pet mouse.

 

Will Mice Run if They See You?

 

There are two things a mouse will do when they see you: either your small fur baby will run away due to being scared of you, especially if you hardly play with them, or they are fairly new to your household, or they will inately become extremely excited to see you!

Mice are very social animals, so giving them plenty of attention is important, especially during their most waking hours, which are during the evening. Because of this, you must spend a little time with your pet mouse each day and provide them with treats so they associate you with positivity instead of negativity.

 

Why Do Pet Mice Jump Around?

 

More often than not, your mouse will jump around because it feels a sense of joy, also known as popcorning, which we discussed earlier in the article. However, sometimes, your little fur baby will jump for some negative reasons, like if it is feeling fearful (often due to loud noises, you approaching it quickly, other animals, or something similar), or it might be trying to escape its cage.

Other times, it might be a specific medical neurological condition or even a stereotypic behavior related to jumping without a specific purpose. These behaviors might be due to lack of care, health concerns, or environmental factors. Overall, ensuring your tiny little mouse feels safe, secure, loved, well-fed, and hydrated is essential.

 

Are There Other Common Behaviors Mice Have?

 

Yes, you might see many other common behaviors in your pet mouse. If you notice they are not doing any of these things or acting lethargic, then it might be wise to contact a local veterinarian to consider your options. Still, knowing what type of behaviors to look for when your mouse is healthy is essential, so let us continue reading along for more information.

 

1. Wagging Their Tails

 

Those who own cats typically know that when they wag their tails, it means they are annoyed. On the other hand, if a dog wags its tail, it is as happy as can be! However, mice are very similar to cats in this area, as when they show they do this, they are extremely annoyed and want to show aggression towards another mouse.

 

2. Move Their Bedding Around

 

Your mouse will often move its bedding around and create a specific spot where it nests, especially in corners. When this happens, you must ensure you do not change it around to where you think it should go because it will most likely be your mouse’s resting space.

 

3. Standing Up

 

Sometimes, if you approach a mouse, it will stand on its hind legs to see you better. This is a good sign; it wants you to give it attention or even expect a treat. Some mice also stand on their hind legs to another mouse to show respect for a more dominant mouse. This would be similar to someone who stands up from a chair to greet them.

Alternatively, some mice will try to demonstrate more power than others and prepare to fight. This will typically happen between two male cats, so make sure to separate them and give them some space if that is the case.

 

4. Wiggling Their Whiskers

 

Mice do not have the best eyesight, so they rely on other senses to ensure they get around fairly well. One of the many ways they do this is by consistently wiggling their whiskers. This helps them feel what is in front of them and allows them to navigate around whatever environment they are currently in.

 

5. Burrowing

 

Burrowing is a part of a mouse’s natural behavior, so you must provide them with plenty of bedding to burrow in. This allows them to have plenty of hiding spots that are “underground,” so to speak, as this is a mouse’s natural habitat out in the wild.

 

6. Grooming Themselves

 

Despite what many people think, mice are very clean animals and will innately groom themselves when dirty. It is important to note that mice are so small, never give them baths. Their little bodies might go into shock or hypothermia, so make sure to allow them to bathe instead.

If you wish to keep your pet mouse from smelling, use air purifiers and odor-absorbing bedding, and regularly clean their area.

 

7. Grooming Others 

 

Aside from grooming themselves, sometimes, mice gently groom each other to show affection for their neighbors. However, this can sometimes lead to some aggression, as those trying to assert dominance will attempt to groom the fur off of their peers, which is often referred to as barbering.

 

8. Grinding Their Teeth

 

Some rodents have continuously growing teeth, and mice are one of them! Because of this, they will often grind their teeth to keep them in check, so to speak. In addition, mice should have safe things to chew on to ensure their teeth remain healthy and short.

 

9. Make Their Ears Go Up and Down

 

Mice will have their ears perked up or down depending on their feelings. If their ears are down, they are defensive or scared, and their body language is usually stiff. It is the mouse’s way of telling you or their other peers to back off. However, if you notice your pet mouse’s ears pointed up, they are curious and want to know what is happening.

Conclusion

 

To summarize, having a pet mouse means you will see and deal with all kinds of behaviors, especially if they get the zoomies! Just like you have to allow your dog or cat to run out of energy, it is wise to allow your mouse to do the same. Let them out to play in a room with a lot of space, but make sure to block the doorways off with a towel, and if the air conditioning vents are on the floor, secure those as well.

We hope this article has helped you better understand your tiny little pet. We highly recommend checking out our other articles if you have any more questions, comments, or concerns regarding mice. Without further ado, we wish you the best in your journey to having a pet mouse!