Ideal as small pets, mice are entertaining to watch, easy to care for, and make very few demands on their owners. Mice come in a variety of colors. They are fast but generally docile. Mice can sometimes be kept together if they were raised together and the same gender, however some will still fight and will need to be separated. Males should not be kept with females unless they are neutered because they breed readily and have large litters.
Housing
Mice need a solid bottom cage at least one-foot-long with a lot of ventilation. The cage must be escape proof as mice are escape artists! The plastic bottomed cages with wire tops that you can attach tubes to work very well. Aquarium style cages are not appropriate due to poor ventilation. Mice urinate and defecate a lot so their cage should be cleaned frequently (at least 1-2 times weekly) to reduce waste odor and contamination. Carefresh (recycled shredded paper) bedding is the best option to use at the bottom of the cage at least 1-2” deep. Mice will nest in the bedding and will shred toilet paper if offered to line their nest. Toilet paper rolls offer great hiding places and rats enjoy destroying them as well. Cardboard, wooden chews, grass hay, newspaper, and other destructible toys (avoid plastic) provide good chewing opportunities. They will chew wood and plastic so only ceramic or metal dishes should be used. Water bowls get very dirty so water bottles attached to the side of the cage should be used. Make sure that fresh water is available at all times.
Periodically check the corners and edges of the cage to ensure that they have not started chewing any holes that may lead to escape. A solid sided exercise wheel in the cage should be available for exercise. Time outside of the cage to explore a
safe area is great enrichment. Exercise balls are very popular but use with caution around stairs or other pets.
Diet and Nutrition
There are many varieties of mouse food mixes, which will generally have a blend of fruits, vegetables and seeds and grains. Rodent blocks are recommended and you can also offer vegetables to nibble on, whole grains, healthy cereals, and pasta.
Signs of Illness
Mammary tumors are fairly common in mice and unfortunately are usually malignant.
Further Reading
