Mouse

The mouse is an energetic and entertaining animal that comes in a large variety of colors.  They are quick and agile, and love to burrow and nest.


Housing:  Females generally make better pets since male mice have a stronger scent and have a tendency to fight.
A 10-15 gallon tank is a good size cage for 3-4 mice.  They prefer a terrarium type environment since they like to burrow and dig.  If you have to use commercial bedding, something like care fresh or soft-sorb are good choices.  Mice do better in a moist environment, so keeping a humidifier nearby, and keeping the cage away from open windows and drafts is a good idea.

Handling:  Mice are very quick animals, and usually do better with older children and adults due to their size and speed.  Generally, mice are more fun to watch (especially in a terrarium) than they are to hold.

Feeding: Begin with a commercial rodent pellet (lab blocks) and supplement that with any healthy food humans can eat!  Only give them as much fresh food as they can eat in one day, and always offer plenty of water!  Also keep some small wood blocks around for them to chew on (so they can keep their teeth filed down).

Exercise:  Since mice are so active and mostly nocturnal, they will need plenty to do! If you keep them in a terrarium, they will get plenty of exercise  by tunneling and arranging. If they are in a typical cage, they will need a wheel, ropes or ladders to climb on, and something to bed down in.

Health:  Mice prefer a home with relatively high humidity, and are sensitive to drafts and cold.  They will live 1-2 years, and tumors are typical.

Do you know something I don't??  Please let me know!!