Mice
Mice are curious active pets who can be enjoyed in or out of
their cage. They can be more fun to watch than TV as they play on their toys
and interact with each other. When they are properly socialized to people they
can also make good interactive pets, learning to search for treats in their
owner’s pocket.
Mice come in a wide range of colors such as Siamese and
spotted, and several coat types which can be mixed and matched including satin,
long-haired, frizzy, and even hairless.
Mice are fun to watch for people of any age, and also make
good interactive pets for adults and older children.
One Mouse or More?
Male or Female?
Female mice are very social and do best in groups. Male mice
are aggressive among themselves and must be kept one to a cage. Male mice also
have noticeably pungent urine.
Males are easily identified by their large testicles.
Feeding
The basic mouse diet should be a commercial rodent block or
fortified grain mix. It is also good to give mice a wide variety of fruits and
veggies and other healthy foods. Treats are great for training and
strengthening the bond between you and your mice and can comprise 10% of their
diet.
Housing
Mice like to climb, which makes a wire cage a good choice,
but the bars must be less than 1/2'” apart to keep them from escaping.
Aquariums may also be used. A mouse cage should be at least 18” X 12” X 10”
tall, and the bigger the better to provide room for lots of fun toys. For
bedding you can choose from aspen shavings or pet litter of recycled paper or organic
pellets. Do not use clay litter or pine or cedar shavings. Mice must be kept at
temperatures below 90 degrees F.
Accessories
Mice need a water bottle, a dry food dispenser, a dish for
moist food, and a house made of plastic, wood, or grass. They need an exercise
wheel, and also enjoy tubes, chew toys, and climbing toys such as ladders,
ropes, and branches.
Sanitation
Clean the cage and accessories weekly. Be sure to scrub all
parts of the water bottle.
Maintenance
Mice are easily-maintained pets and do not need special
care. They appreciate fresh fruits and veggies daily. If you let your mice play
on your couch or bed, a washable throw cover will help protect your
furnishings.
Health Care
The most common health problems in mice are respiratory
infections and mammary tumors. Veterinary Pet Insurance (www.petinsurance.com) now offers health
insurance policies for mice.
Life Cycle
Mice live an average of 1 ½ - 2 years, although it’s
possible for them to live 5 years. Mice can breed as early as 4 weeks of age
but should not until 3 months. The gestation period is 19-21 days and the
average liter size is 6-10. The babies are called pups and their eyes open at
12-14 days. The pups can be weaned at 4 weeks.
Expert Help
If you have questions about your mice, do not hesitate to
contact us. We will be happy to help you choose a mouse care book for more
complete information. You, your veterinarian, and the staff here at the store
will form the team which will be responsible for your mice’s well-being.
Supplies Checklist
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Cage
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Mouse food
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Bedding and/or litter
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Treats
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House
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Exercise wheel
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Water bottle
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Activity toys
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Moist-food dish
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Chew toys
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Dry food dispenser
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