Please reach us at etherealmoonmousery@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
I am located in Southern Orange County, California.
Because of this, transport options into and out of California are limited. The two transport services I work with are:
Dunn’s is the preferred option, as they are able to meet within my city.
Mel’s Neighborhood Transport is also available, though their closest meeting location is in Las Vegas, NV. If this option is used, an additional travel fee of $0.64 per mile (round trip) will apply to cover the distance required to meet. This simply covers the cost of travel to meet. All costs of the mice and trip are due up front upon reservation of your mice.
Please check out the available mice page for availability. I am often limited on availability, as this is a hobby based mousery with a strong focus on research, health, and long term line development.
All home placements begin with an application. Once approved, you will be invited to the waitlist group, where mice are first offered on a first comment, first reserve basis. This allows approved homes early access before public release.
If a mouse is not reserved within 5 days of being posted to the waitlist group, it may then be listed on the public Available Mice page (when active). At that point, an approved application is still required prior to reserving.
This process ensures that each mouse is placed thoughtfully and that adopters are prepared before bringing one home.
Once you have been approved and admitted into the waitlist group, reservations are made by commenting on the post of the available mouse you are interested in.
Reservations are handled on a first claim basis. The first approved home to comment will have the mouse marked as reserved. You will then need to send your non-refundable deposit of $10 per mouse within 24 hours by an approved payment method. This deposit is applied to the $20 per mouse full price. All remaining payments are due the day before in-person pick up. When using transport, full price is due within 24 hours of reservation. Should cancellation be needed for transport buyers, the deposit price is still non-refundable. Should payment not happen within this timeframe, the mouse will be put back up for pet or breeder home placement.
Please only claim a mouse if you are ready to move forward. Reservations are time sensitive, and timely communication is expected to ensure a smooth placement process. If communication is not maintained, the reservation may be released to the next approved home.
Yes, an application is required for all pet placements.
I currently offer a pet placement application, and a breeder specific application will be available as breeder homes open.
If you are considering breeding in the near future, I ask that you complete a breeder application rather than a pet placement application. This helps ensure proper planning, as a mouse’s first breeding should ideally take place by around 5 months of age with birth happening before 6 months at the latest.
This process allows me to place mice responsibly and ensure each home, pet or breeding, is prepared and aligned with the goals for the line. Applications should be completed prior to inquiring about specific mice.
As with any animal, yes, mice do have a natural scent. Some individuals may be more sensitive to it than others, especially if they are used to animals with little to no odor.
That said, proper husbandry makes a significant difference in maintaining a clean and manageable environment.
To help reduce odor:
With a proper setup and routine, odor can be kept minimal and should not be overwhelming in a well maintained enclosure. If scent is a major concern, mice may not be the right fit.
No, female mice cannot be kept alone.
Mice are highly social animals, and females require companionship of their own species to remain mentally and physically well. Human interaction, while important, is not a substitute for proper socialization.
Because of this, females are only placed in appropriate group settings.
Male mice are also social by nature, but cannot safely be housed together due to territorial aggression. For this reason, male mice are not placed in pet homes and are reserved for approved breeder placements only. This ensures all mice are placed in an environment where they can thrive.
No, a minimum of three mice is required.
Mice need appropriate social groups, even during quarantine. Introducing a single mouse creates a higher risk of isolation if something happens during that period.
By starting with at least three, there is always stable companionship. If one mouse were to pass or need to be separated, the remaining mice still have a companion.
This standard helps maintain proper social structure and reduces stress during transitions. This requirement is non-negotiable.
A deposit is required to reserve a mouse and is applied toward the total purchase price. Deposits are typically 50% of the purchase price.
Because reserving mice removes them from availability and requires continued care while awaiting placement, deposits are non-refundable and due within 24 hours of reserve if you choose not to move forward.
The only exception is in the event that the mouse cannot be placed due to an issue on my end (such as illness, injury, or other health concerns prior to placement). In that case, the deposit will be refunded.
Please be sure you are ready to proceed before placing a deposit. If communication is not maintained after placing a deposit, the reservation may be released. Your new mice are to be picked up within the following 2 week window if you are picking up in person. If you are using transport, the transport should not exceed 1 month in my care.
All mice are priced at $20 per mouse.
After evaluating my program and goals, I’ve chosen to keep pricing consistent across all mice rather than basing it on color or appearance. My focus is on health, temperament, and responsible breeding, rather than treating certain traits as more valuable than others.
A $10 non-refundable deposit per mouse is required to reserve, which is applied toward the total purchase price. Deposits are due within 24 hours of reservation. Pricing is not negotiable.
No, pricing is consistent per mouse.
A minimum of three mice is required for pet placement, as female mice must be housed in appropriate social groups. This ensures they have stable companionship and reduces the risk of isolation if one passes unexpectedly.
Quarantine should also be done in groups. Mice should not be kept alone, even during this period. In the event of illness or loss, having multiple mice allows for continued companionship while quarantine is extended and monitored.
This standard is in place to support long term welfare and proper social structure, rather than to encourage higher numbers. I’m always happy to help plan an appropriate group based on your setup.
Enclosure size can vary depending on the individual mice and how they were raised, but a good baseline is a minimum of 50–100 square inches per mouse, or roughly a 200 square inch enclosure for a small group of 3.
Mice are often raised in environments where they become accustomed to a certain range of space. Because of this, enclosure size is somewhat selection based. Moving to significantly larger spaces too quickly, especially without proper group size and clutter, can lead to stress or skittish behavior.
The most important factors are:
When set up properly, mice can thrive in a range of enclosure sizes, but stability and environment matter more than raw space alone due to being colony animals.
Through selective breeding and colony-based raising, my lines are developed to thrive in stable social groups rather than as individuals or very small groups. In larger enclosures especially, too few mice can lead to stress, insecurity, and unstable social dynamics. For this reason, I recommend group sizes that appropriately match the enclosure so the colony can function naturally and comfortably. While 50-100 square inches per mouse may sound like a lot, in a properly sized enclosure this creates a balanced, low-stress colony dynamic rather than overcrowding.
Selective breeding is the process of choosing specific traits over generations. In my lines, this includes temperament, social behavior, and colony dynamics. Meaning my mice are intentionally bred to thrive in structured group environments rather than isolation or undersized groups.
I recommend a soft wood-based bedding, such as kiln dried pine or aspen.
Cedar should not be used, as it contains compounds that are toxic to mice.
Kiln dried pine is safe due to the drying process removing phenols, the compounds responsible for respiratory irritation in untreated pine. This makes it a suitable and effective bedding option when sourced properly.
Paper based bedding is best used as a nesting material rather than a primary substrate. While it is soft, it does not manage ammonia from urine as effectively as wood based beddings, which can lead to a less stable enclosure environment over time.
My breeding colonies are currently fed LabDiet 5008 Formulab, a laboratory rodent diet designed for breeding colonies, pregnant does, nursing mothers, and growing young. After new information came out about nutrition, I chose to switch to LabDiet because of its focus on nutritional consistency and quality control.
Unlike many commercial feeds that use either an open formula (the same recipe every batch) or a closed formula (ingredients and proportions may vary), LabDiet uses a managed formulation system called Constant Nutrition®. Rather than focusing on keeping ingredient percentages identical, the goal is to maintain a consistent nutritional profile from batch to batch. This approach is widely used in laboratory animal colonies where reliable nutrition is important for reproduction, growth, and long-term health.
Because LabDiet 5008 is sold primarily to research facilities and breeders, it is typically only available in 50 lb bags and can be difficult for the average pet owner to obtain or store.
For most pet homes, I recommend choosing a high quality rodent block such as Kalmbach sold in pet sizes on Chewy, Or Mazuri rat and mouse diet, .that is readily available, feeding it as the foundation of the diet, and then providing a variety of safe enrichment foods in moderation. Seeds, grains, and insects can provide valuable enrichment, but I believe the primary diet should always be a complete and balanced rodent feed.
As with any diet, I continually evaluate the condition, reproduction, longevity, and overall health of my mice and will update my feeding program if new evidence suggests a better option.
Yes, mice can be housed in all three when set up properly.
Tanks are my primary recommendation, as they are the most secure option and help prevent escapes while still providing adequate ventilation when paired with a proper lid.
Bin cages can also work well, though some mice may chew over time. While I select against this behavior, it cannot be guaranteed that every mouse will not attempt to chew out.
Wire cages are acceptable as long as bar spacing is no larger than 1/4 inch, as mice are excellent escape artists. These can also be reinforced with 1/4 inch hardware cloth if needed for added security.
Regardless of enclosure type, proper setup, ventilation, and security are the most important factors.
Enclosures should be cleaned on a consistent schedule to maintain a healthy environment.
A weekly full clean is recommended, along with spot cleaning between full cleans as needed.
When cleaning, it’s important to:
Avoid fully replacing all bedding each time, as this can lead to increased marking and odor which is why I recommend leaving a handful of old bedding behind.
Consistency in both cleaning routine and bedding type plays a major role in maintaining a stable and low odor enclosure. Inconsistent cleaning can lead to ammonia buildup and health issues.
Mice should be kept in appropriate social groups.
Female mice are highly social and require companionship of their own species to remain mentally and physically well. They should not be housed alone.
Male mice are also social, but cannot be safely housed together due to territorial aggression. For this reason, they require different housing considerations and are not placed in pet homes.
Proper social structure is essential to maintaining stable behavior and overall well-being.
No, male mice cannot be safely housed together.
Male mice are naturally territorial and will fight, often resulting in serious injury or death. While they are social animals by nature, this behavior prevents them from cohabitating safely with other males.
Because of this, males require separate housing and are not placed in pet homes. This ensures their safety and prevents unnecessary stress or injury.
Temperament and health are my top priorities.
Mice placed into pet homes are selected with these standards in mind and are expected to be approachable and manageable with regular, gentle handling. Individual personalities will always vary, but strong temperament is a key part of my selection process.
Some lines are not made available for pet placement while they are still being developed. These project lines are evaluated over time, and only those that meet my standards for temperament and overall stability are considered for placement.
This ensures that mice going into pet homes are well suited for handling and companionship.
Any animal is capable of biting, including mice. However, I prioritize temperament and select for mice that are approachable and manageable in a pet home setting.
In the rare event that a mouse displays consistent biting behavior that is not related to handling error or adjustment, I will work with you to resolve the situation.
Please note that transport fees are separate from my mousery and are not refundable. I’m always available to help troubleshoot behavior before any decisions are made.
Yes, I aim to perform routine health testing, typically on a yearly basis, to screen for harmful pathogens when possible.
It’s important to understand that this is not a laboratory setting, and biosecurity cannot be maintained at that level. Because of this, health testing is used as a tool for monitoring and informed decision making, rather than a guarantee of a completely pathogen free environment.
Some pathogens are extremely common within the fancy, such as mycoplasma. In these cases, rather than attempting full depopulation, my focus is on selecting for strong immune response and overall resilience, with the goal of maintaining mice that show little to no symptoms over time.
Testing also has limitations. Not all pathogens are testable, and results reflect only a point in time. For this reason, I can only state what my lines are free of based on current testing and observation.
While I take every step I can to maintain the health of my mice, transport is outside of my control. Once a mouse leaves my care through transport, I cannot guarantee continued exposure conditions, including contact with potential pathogens.
Because of this, health guarantees related to viruses and bacteria are void when transport is used.
For mice that are picked up in person, I offer a 1-week health guarantee. If a mouse shows signs of illness within that timeframe, I will work with you to resolve the situation.
Available options include:
This policy allows me to stand behind the health of mice leaving my care, while also recognizing the variables that exist once they enter a new environment.
For mice that are picked up in person, I offer a 7 day health guarantee. If a mouse shows signs of illness within that timeframe, I will take the mouse back for evaluation and treatment, or offer a replacement depending on the situation.
If illness occurs outside of that window, I am still available to offer guidance and support. I care about the mice I place and the homes they go to, and I am always happy to help point you toward appropriate veterinary care or next steps.
If transport is used, health guarantees related to viruses and bacteria are void, as conditions during and after transport are outside of my control.
If a mouse develops a suspected genetic condition (such as tumors or other inherited concerns), I ask that you notify me. This allows me to properly track and address any issues within my lines.
A genetic health guarantee is offered up to 1 year of age.
Please note:
After 1 year of age, mice are considered to have reached a normal lifespan range, and genetic guarantees no longer apply.
It’s important to monitor your mice regularly, as early signs of illness can be subtle.
Common signs to watch for include:
If you notice any of these signs, I recommend monitoring closely and reaching out for guidance or veterinary care as needed.
Early intervention can make a significant difference in outcome. If this occurs within the health guarantee window, please contact me directly.
Yes, I make every effort to track lineage and genetic information within my lines.
While no system is perfect and occasional gaps can occur, lineage is always maintained within each line, and any health issues that arise are tracked and considered moving forward.
I am currently expanding my tracking through the use of a program called Kintraks. This allows me to document:
This system also generates pedigrees (family trees), allowing me to better visualize and manage each line over time.
My goal is to contribute to the long term improvement of the species.
This is approached through both careful selection within my own lines and ongoing research. I prioritize health, temperament, and overall stability, while also working to better understand the genetics behind the traits I work with.
Equally important to me is sharing what I learn as an independent researcher. Whether through observation, record keeping, or discussion within the community, I aim to help improve understanding so that others can make more informed decisions in their own programs.
This work is ongoing, and my focus remains on building stronger, healthier lines over time rather than short term outcomes.
Some lines are not available for placement because they are still under study.
In addition to being a mousery, I am actively working as a researcher within my own lines. My goal is to better understand the genetics I work with and ensure they are stable and healthy before being placed more widely.
For certain lines, such as dumbo, this means they are not currently available, even to pet homes. Until I am confident in the long term health and expression of these genes, I do not feel it is responsible to place them.
This approach helps prevent the spread of traits that have not been fully evaluated and ensures that any lines I do release are well understood and suitable for continued breeding or pet placement.
I do not offer shipping. Due to current regulations, rodents cannot be shipped.
I do work with transport services when needed. The two options I use are:
I am also able to transport mice myself for up to 2 hours, with a travel fee of $0.64 per mile (round trip).
Local pickup is always welcome, and I can meet at the Irvine Spectrum Target location or the Laguna Niguel Walmart location for convenience.
When using a ground transport service such as Dunn’s Critter Transport or Mel’s Neighborhood Transport, the process begins by contacting the transport directly.
You will first need to:
Once you have secured a transport option, you may then complete my pet placement application and begin the placement process.
Each transport operates differently, so it is important to review their specific requirements. This is typically done by:
This ensures you are familiar with their process before moving forward. I recommend having transport confirmed prior to inquiring about specific mice.
You may bring your own carrier, or purchase a temporary one from me at pickup.
If bringing your own, please ensure it is secure and appropriate for mice, such as a Kritter Keeper, Reptile Ranch, or similar enclosure.
I also offer:
Pedigrees are only available to breeder homes. This ensures the safety of my pet placement to discourage breeding of unsuitable animals.
Providing a proper carrier helps ensure your mice travel safely, especially in public environments.
Transition food is provided at no additional cost. A suitable carrier is required for pick up.
When using a transport service, they are responsible for communication and coordination between all parties. If an issue arises during transport, the transport will contact both you and me directly.
In the event of a serious issue, such as injury, loss, or death, any decisions regarding transport fees are handled by the transport service, as they operate independently from my mousery.
If a mouse is lost or passes during transport, I will offer a replacement.
For scheduling issues (such as missed stops, delays, or changes in pickup time), it is the responsibility of the receiving home to coordinate with the transport. This may include arranging for someone else to pick up the mice or working directly with the transport to adjust plans. I’m happy to help where I can, but final arrangements are handled through the transport.
Yes, I strongly recommend a 6 week quarantine for all new mice, especially if transport was used and potential pathogen exposure may have occurred.
In many cases, common pathogens can be managed through a 6 week no-breeding burnout period, allowing time for symptoms to either clear or become apparent.
Proper quarantine includes:
I understand that a completely separate air space is not always possible in a home setting. I recognize that achieving laboratory level biosecurity is not realistic in a home or hobby setting. In that case, it is still best to:
This means:
If a litter is present anywhere in the home, the quarantine period does not begin until the litter is fully weaned and no additional litters are expected.
Quarantine is meant to reduce the risk of introducing illness to existing mice and to allow time for any issues to become apparent. I recognize that achieving Laboratory level biosecurity is not realistic in a home or hobby setting. In such cases a proper quarantine setup includes:
During quarantine:
If a fully separate air space is not possible, do your best to maintain distance and treat the entire home as if it is under quarantine conditions.
Consistency is more important than perfection. The goal is to reduce risk and allow time for observation.
No, all mice should complete a proper quarantine before introductions.
Once quarantine has been successfully completed, introductions can begin.
My approach differs from commonly recommended methods such as the carrier method. While often used, these methods rely on high-stress environments, which can lead to forced or unstable bonding.
Instead, I recommend setting up introductions in a fully neutral environment in their permanent enclosure:
This allows mice to interact and form associations in a lower-stress environment, encouraging more stable and natural social bonds, and form positive association with a stressful situation. My goal is to support long term, stable group dynamics rather than short term forced bonding.
If you complete a pet placement application, you are not applying for breeding rights.
If you are interested in breeding, I ask that you wait and complete the appropriate breeder application when it becomes available. This allows me to properly support new breeders and ensure they are starting with mice that meet the standards needed for a stable program.
Breeder placements are selected with specific goals in mind, and those homes are given priority when it comes to choosing mice intended for breeding.
Pet placements may include a wider range of mice. While some may appear suitable, they may not meet the criteria required for breeding within a structured program (such as minor structural faults, not aligning with current goals, or being retired breeders).
This distinction helps ensure that breeding decisions are made intentionally and that new breeders are set up for long term success.
“Pet only” means the mouse is placed strictly as a companion and is not to be bred.
Mice placed as pet only may not meet the criteria required for breeding within a structured program, or they may not align with the current goals of my lines. This can include factors such as structure, temperament, age, or overall program direction.
This distinction allows me to maintain consistency and continue improving my lines, while still placing mice into appropriate pet homes.
If you are interested in breeding, I recommend waiting to complete a breeder application when it becomes available so I can properly support you in that process. If you are interested in breeding, I strongly encourage you to be open about that from the start and complete a breeder application.
While a mouse may be perfectly healthy and well suited for a pet home, that does not always mean it is suitable for breeding. There are many factors that go into responsible breeding decisions, including:
By being honest about your goals, I can help place you with a mouse that is better suited for breeding and support you in starting with a strong foundation.
My goal is not to restrict new breeders, but to ensure they are set up for long-term success and working with the most appropriate animals for their program.
Breeding is a responsibility that goes far beyond pairing two mice together.
It requires careful planning, an understanding of genetics, and the ability to make decisions that prioritize the long term health and stability of a line. This includes evaluating temperament, structure, and potential risks that may not be visible at first glance.
There are also realities to breeding that are not always widely discussed, such as:
This includes being prepared to make decisions that prioritize welfare over attachment. Because of this, I do not place mice for breeding without first ensuring that the home is prepared for these responsibilities.
My goal is not to discourage new breeders, but to support them in starting with the right foundation and a clear understanding of what responsible breeding involves.
Purposfully breeding a pet only mouse goes against the terms of placement and my policies.
If this occurs, I take it seriously. The individual will not be eligible for future placements, and this information may be shared within the breeder community to help maintain responsible standards. I encourage all homes I place mice into to be 100% honest about intentions so that I can provide the support needed.
If the breeding was a genuine mistake, I am willing to provide guidance on next steps. In these situations, I strongly prefer that the mouse, and any resulting litter, be returned to me or placed with a trusted breeder so they can be managed appropriately.
If the breeding was intentional, this may result in future sales being forfeited.
If an unplanned breeding occurs (such as due to infestation, accidental cohabitation, or missexing), the mouse may be permanently forfeited due to health and biosecurity concerns. A replacement may be arranged once the situation has been fully resolved.
If you find yourself in a situation where you can no longer keep your mouse, I will always take the mouse back or help coordinate placement.
If you are close enough, I am happy to take the mouse back directly. Situations like this will not result in being placed on a do-not-sell list, and you are still welcome to return in the future if circumstances change.
If you are not within a reasonable distance, I can help you rehome through my platform, which allows for a wider reach and often results in quicker placement.
If more immediate placement is needed, I can:
While I will always help ensure the mouse is placed appropriately, refunds are not provided in these situations, as the mouse will need to be housed and re-placed. However, I am willing to cover transport costs when needed to help facilitate a safe and timely transition if needed.
My goal is to make sure every mouse is placed safely and responsibly, even if circumstances change. I would always prefer to be contacted rather than have a mouse placed without guidance to make sure the mouse is placed in a suitable home to ensure the safety of the animals. Rehoming without prior communication is a violation of my policy and may result in refusal of future sales. In certain situations, relevant concerns may be shared with other breeders as appropriate.
Yes, all mice that can no longer be kept must be brought to my attention.
I require that you contact me before attempting to rehome. This allows me to ensure the mouse is placed safely and appropriately. Rehoming without my knowledge goes against my policies and may result in being placed on a do-not-sell list, and this information may be shared within the breeder community.
If you reach out, I will always work with you to find the best solution. This may include:
My goal is to support both the mouse and the home it came from, and to ensure every placement remains responsible, even if circumstances change. Should you follow the policy, you will not be placed on the Do-Not-Sell list and will still be eligible to get more mice in the future should circumstances change.
Rehoming is handled on a case-by-case basis, but I do require that you contact me first.
To ensure the safety and proper placement of the mice, I do not allow independent rehoming without my involvement. All new homes must go through my application process so they can be properly vetted.
If rehoming is needed, I will assist by:
In most cases, your role will simply be to coordinate and hand off the mouse to the new home once placement has been arranged.
This process ensures that all mice continue to be placed responsibly, even after leaving my care.
I require that all prospective homes come prepared before beginning the placement process.
This includes:
The contract outlines my full policies as well as the standard of care expected for the mice you are applying for. This ensures that all homes are informed, prepared, and aligned before moving forward. Incomplete steps may delay or prevent admission to the waitlist group.
No, prior experience is not required.
However, proper research and preparation are expected in order to be approved. This includes having a suitable setup ready and a basic understanding of mouse care before moving forward.
After submitting your application, I may reach out with follow up questions. I also encourage you to reach out if you have not already, so I can help guide you through any remaining questions or setup concerns.
I am always happy to assist with the research process and help you prepare your first enclosure.
I understand that life happens, and immediate responses are not always possible. However, consistent communication is expected throughout the approval and placement process.
Even a quick message such as “I’m busy right now and will respond when I can” is appreciated and helps keep the process moving smoothly.
Maintaining communication allows me to:
This is a two-way process. Open communication helps me provide the best support possible while also allowing me to remain responsible for the mice I produce. Extended lack of communication may result in removal from the approval process.
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