haha...ya you have to get used to the squeals for sure. And your definately right about them picking through their food. I found that when offering more of a "mix" food that alot if it will go to waste if they don't like part of it as they know more will be coming. The block type food I feed has greatly helped this...it all looks the same and smells the same. I only offer mixed stuff as I said a couple times a week and it gets cleaned right up now since they aren't used to being able to pick through it. Water bottles outside are a must once they get big enough...I lost a few bottles learning that! I just lay mine down on top of the mesh lid with the spicket pointing down through. Like you have your mice setup I believe Daniel, and how I have my last mice still setup. Its higher up but they can still reach it standing up.