This comprehensive care guide will show you how to look after Mice in 3 easy steps
Fast Facts:
How long will my Mouse live? They can live for 3 years
How big will it grow? 30-50g
What size of enclosure is recommended for Mice? A small gauge wire or plastic enclosure
What does a Mouse eat? Mouse mix as well as fruit and vegetables
Mouse Housing
Mice make great first pets for kids as they are easy to care for, easy to handle, low cost, and are a great way to teach kids about responsible pet ownership.
Mice should be housed in either a plastic or small gauge wire enclosure. When housing your mice, it is important to be aware of any gaps in your enclosure as mice are escape artists. The enclosure should be lined with dust free litter, such as recycled paper pellets, and should have igloos or other hides provided.
Being sociable animals, mice are best kept with company. It is not advisable to house two males as they will probably fight. Females can usually be kept together very easily.
Mouse Care
Mice enclosures should be cleaned out with a small animal safe disinfectant once or twice a week, all the litter should be removed, the enclosure scrubbed, and fresh bedding put in. All toys should be removed and disinfected as well.
Mice require a mixed diet consisting predominantly of grains and seeds, with some source of protein also present in the mix. This should be served in a small ceramic bowl that is not easily tipped over, and as mice are grazing animals, food should be available at all times. A few small pieces of fruit and vegetables such as corn, broccoli, peas, beans, carrot, apple (no seeds), orange etc. can be added daily. Throw away any uneaten food daily and never feed any spoiled or rotten food.
Special treats can be given in moderation, such as nuts, mealworms and sunflower seeds. Wood chews need to be provided as mice teeth never stop growing and chewing on wood keeps their teeth trimmed and healthy.
Fresh, clean water should be available at all times and is best offered in a water bottle as it is easy to refill and much more hygienic as your mice can’t dirty it. Mice should be wormed every three months with a small animal wormer, which can be added to their water. Parasites such as lice and mites are easily treated with a small animals parasite spray.
Mice, especially older ones, should be kept in a drought free area and should be inspected regularly for lumps. As mice can be quite susceptible to heat stress, frozen water bottles should be placed in the enclosure throughout the summer months. It is also a good idea to ensure cool water is available from their drinker and frozen fruit and veggies can be offered.
Mouse Play
Mice are energetic, inquisitive little creatures who are always busy and on the move. The best way to pick up a mouse is to simply scoop it up in your hand. If, however, the mouse is a bit jumpy, they can be picked up quickly by the tail, as close to their body as possible and placed onto your arm or hand.
Never leave your mouse dangling by the tail as it will scare them and can cause damage as your mouse struggles to get away. Calm, confident, and regular handling will ensure your pet is happy to be picked up. Until both you and your mouse are confident with each other, handling is best done within the enclosure, in case the mouse gets a fright and jumps down it will prevent injury or escape.
As mice are naturally inquisitive animals, a variety of toys should be available to them for environmental stimulation. Toys such as ropes, ladders, and plastic piping or used toilet rolls are perfect to keep them occupied. A mouse wheel is a great addition to any enclosure as mice love them and they are a great source of exercise and boredom relief.
Did You Know?
It is believed mice have been domesticated for thousands of years, with interest in breeding and fancy mice starting in China around 300 A.D.
We have created a Shopping list to show what you need to look after Mice:
- Plastic or small gauge wire enclosure
- Igloo hide
- Paper pellet litter
- Hutch cleaner
- Worming syrup
- Lice & mite spray
- Carrier
- Rat & Mouse mix
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Food bowl
- Water bottle
- Wood chews
- Ropes
- Ladders
- Mouse Wheel
- Pipes/tunnels
Common health issues in Mice
Respiratory Infections: As mice have such small respiratory systems small dust particles can easily become lodged in their respiratory tract and cause an infection which can be fatal. It is best to use dust free litters for bedding.
Heat Stress: Being such small animals, mice can easily become overwhelmed by excessive temperatures. It is best to house them in a cool room out of direct sunlight.
Mites: With an increase in stress or decrease in immunity, mice can experience a mite infestation, which can lead to excessive itching and irritation.
Red flags
Is your Mouse showing any of the signs of disease or illness? If yes, please contact your vet.
- Wheezing
- Sneezing
- Hunched posture
- Dull coat or eyes
- Lowered activity
- Laboured breathing
At Kellyville Pets, we encourage responsible pet ownership.
CARE GUIDE © Copyright 2016 Kellyville Pets - All information found in this care guide is based upon our own experience. The information provided is not the only information available. In any medical situations, you should always consult your vet, including questions regarding your pet's diet.