Cohabiting Mice & African-Soft Furs

For most small companion animals, cohabiting different species is definitely a no. Fancy Mice and African Soft-furs are an exception to this rule, however, and make a great choice for solo male mice.

Male mice cannot be kept together. Some people have had some success keeping related males together, but this should only be attempted, if at all, by experienced mice keepers. Adult male mice can and will fight to the death if housed together.

Mice are naturally social creatures. In the wild, a male mouse would live with a harem of female mice. This is not an option, however, for pet owners who have no desire to breed. Luckily, Fancy Mice and African Soft-furs, despite being different species and not all that closely related, have similar care requirements that allow them to be housed together. Not only that, they actually seem to enjoy each others' company.

It is recommended that a male mouse be housed with no fewer than two female ASF. While they cannot actually breed together, it will not stop the male mouse from trying. Having multiple females minimizes the likelihood of him aggravating a lone female with his attentions. Female mice and female African Soft-furs can also be kept together. We recommend caution if housing male ASF with female mice as they are much larger and the risk of them unintentionally injuring a smaller female mouse is higher. 

ASF and mice will do everything together - eating, sleeping, grooming, and playing - just like they would with a member of their own species..