How to Care for a Pet Mouse

Mice are small, active, and social creatures that can make great pets for people of all ages. They are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you need to know to keep your pet mouse healthy and happy.

Housing

Mice need a cage that is at least 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches high. The cage should be made of metal or plastic and have good ventilation. It should also have a solid bottom, as mice can easily chew through wire mesh.

The cage should be equipped with a variety of toys and hiding places. Mice are curious creatures and they need plenty of things to keep them occupied. Some good choices for toys include tunnels, balls, and chew toys. You can also provide your mouse with a hiding place, such as a small box or a piece of PVC pipe.

Bedding

Mice need a soft, absorbent bedding material. Some good choices include shredded paper, aspen shavings, or Carefresh. The bedding should be changed at least once a week, or more often if it becomes soiled.

Food and Water

Mice are omnivores and they need a diet that includes both plants and animals. A good quality commercial mouse food will provide your pet with all the nutrients it needs. You can also offer your mouse fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and broccoli. It is important to remove any uneaten food from the cage daily.

Mice need access to fresh water at all times. The water should be changed daily, or more often if it becomes dirty.

Handling

Mice are delicate creatures and they should be handled with care. When picking up your mouse, support its body with one hand and gently grasp its tail with the other hand. Never pick up a mouse by its tail alone, as this can cause injury.

Mice are social creatures and they enjoy being handled. However, it is important to respect your mouse's boundaries and not to force it to interact with you if it does not want to.

Grooming

Mice are very clean animals and they do not require much grooming. However, you should brush your mouse's fur regularly to remove any loose hair or debris. You should also trim your mouse's nails regularly, as long nails can be uncomfortable for your pet.

Health Care

Mice are generally healthy animals, but they can be prone to a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, diarrhea, and skin infections. It is important to take your mouse to the veterinarian for regular checkups to ensure that it is healthy.