Mouse
About: Mice are one of the smallest domestic pets you can have. They can be more difficult to handle compared to larger rodents but often are very curious and friendly. Mice are nocturnal. They would do best with a human that can engage with them later in the evenings or early mornings.
Bonding: Female mice are social animals that do best in groups. But that is not the case with males. Males typically will be terrirorial and aggressive with one another and would need to be housed alone (unless they are neutered or they can be bonded with African Soft Fur rats, which are not as common to come by).
Housing: The minimum for one male mouse or two females, is 360 square inches of unbreakable floor space. Their enclosure should allow enough space for at least 3 inches of bedding and just be properly ventilated to reduce ammonia levels. Mice are temperature sensitive and must be kept in a room where the temperature is between 65-80 degrees F.
Bedding: Safe bedding options are invented paper bedding, Aspen shavings, and hemp bedding. Mice cannot control their bladder so they pee everywhere and need their bedding spot cleaned daily, which can get expensive. Other nesting materials you can add in addition could be orchard grass hay and straw. Unsafe bedding: Pine and Cedar.
Toys/Enrichment: Mice love to explore! They need lots of enrichment and opportunity in their enclosure. Not only is it important for them to have enough ground space, but also have the chance to climb. They love to run in their wheels and require a minimum of an 8 inch upright solid surface wheel. Mice teeth are ever growing! Provide a variety of chew toys to help them kai their teeth filed down, such as Apple or Willow sticks.
Diet: Mice hoard their food, so they should only be fed every few days, and their stash should be cleaned out regularly. Their diet should mainly consist of a high protein lab block/pellet diet. Here in rescue, we feed Mazuri rat/mouse but we also suggest Science Selective or Oxbow Essentials (red bag). They should also be provided a variety seed mix to their diet such as Higgins, Vita Garden, or Sunseed Vita. In addition to this staple diet, you’re more should be getting fresh fruits/veggies/proteins as well.
Maintenance: Mice are not known to be able to control their bladder/bowels and their cage should be spot cleaned daily. It’s important to have extra bedding in hand for these cleanings.
Bonding: Female mice are social animals that do best in groups. But that is not the case with males. Males typically will be terrirorial and aggressive with one another and would need to be housed alone (unless they are neutered or they can be bonded with African Soft Fur rats, which are not as common to come by).
Housing: The minimum for one male mouse or two females, is 360 square inches of unbreakable floor space. Their enclosure should allow enough space for at least 3 inches of bedding and just be properly ventilated to reduce ammonia levels. Mice are temperature sensitive and must be kept in a room where the temperature is between 65-80 degrees F.
Bedding: Safe bedding options are invented paper bedding, Aspen shavings, and hemp bedding. Mice cannot control their bladder so they pee everywhere and need their bedding spot cleaned daily, which can get expensive. Other nesting materials you can add in addition could be orchard grass hay and straw. Unsafe bedding: Pine and Cedar.
Toys/Enrichment: Mice love to explore! They need lots of enrichment and opportunity in their enclosure. Not only is it important for them to have enough ground space, but also have the chance to climb. They love to run in their wheels and require a minimum of an 8 inch upright solid surface wheel. Mice teeth are ever growing! Provide a variety of chew toys to help them kai their teeth filed down, such as Apple or Willow sticks.
Diet: Mice hoard their food, so they should only be fed every few days, and their stash should be cleaned out regularly. Their diet should mainly consist of a high protein lab block/pellet diet. Here in rescue, we feed Mazuri rat/mouse but we also suggest Science Selective or Oxbow Essentials (red bag). They should also be provided a variety seed mix to their diet such as Higgins, Vita Garden, or Sunseed Vita. In addition to this staple diet, you’re more should be getting fresh fruits/veggies/proteins as well.
Maintenance: Mice are not known to be able to control their bladder/bowels and their cage should be spot cleaned daily. It’s important to have extra bedding in hand for these cleanings.
References:
Munchie’s Place for Homeless Pets
Little Critter Crew - Mouse Care Guide
Blue Cross - Is A Mouse Right for You?
RSPCA - Mice
Munchie’s Place for Homeless Pets
Little Critter Crew - Mouse Care Guide
Blue Cross - Is A Mouse Right for You?
RSPCA - Mice
Disclaimer: Any information posted on Lala's Playhouse and Rescue's website is for general information purposes only and should not be used as medical advice, medical opinion, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information given is not to be substituted for medical attention. Always seek licensed veterinary care for your pet's health and treatment. All information on this website is given "as-is." Lala's Playhouse and Rescue is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages of any kind whatsoever with respect to the use of this website. You agree that you are using this website solely at your own risk.
