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Despite the natural fear they seem to evoke, mice are playful, happy animals that make great pets! Inexpensive to feed, house and care for, you'll be surprised at how easily even you may warm up to a furry, little mouse!
PERSONALITIES
Much like other animals, mice have their own individual personalities. Some will love to run on wheels and act playful, while others will be shy, and prefer to build a comfortable nest in which to hide. Owners will need to pay careful attention to their mouse's personality, in order to provide the proper materials and care.
TEMPERAMENT
Mice are social animals. Most experts agree that it's imperative to have at least two mice if you're considering keeping them as pets. It is unnatural in any environment for mice to live alone. Those mice which are forced to live alone are generally bored, withdrawn, lonely and miserable.
Timid, by nature, mice take some time to warm to strangers, in much the same way that kittens and puppies do. Once calm in their new environment, mice are intelligent, playful, and fun to watch. It's important to allow your mouse time to get used to new scents and people before making him a full-fledged member of the family.
BREEDS
There are many varieties of mice, including satin, curly haired, fancy, long haired, and more. Outside of the fancy variety, which is a rare show mouse, mice have the same instincts, intelligence level and habits between breeds.
HOUSING
Rodents like to stand on their hind legs, run and play. For this reason, whichever type of housing you choose, it should provide enough space for those basic activities. Aquariums are the most inexpensive form of housing, and the easiest to maintain. They are resistant to gnawing, digging and provide adequate room. If you use an aquarium, you'll also need a wire rodent cover to prevent inventive mice from escaping. Wire cages can be used, but since rodents like to dig, be prepared to clean up bedding that has been tossed out from the surrounding areas.
Mice are easily bored, and will need to be provided with entertainment. One, two and three level housing units can easily be placed inside your aquarium, which will help to stimulate your mouse and also allow him to establish a colony. Play wheels, balls and mice toys are also sold in pet stores.
BEDDING
Bedding or litter will need to be added to the mouse house, as well. Bedding provides some insulation, warmth, and helps to absorb waste matter. Wood shavings make a good choice for mice, though you should avoid cedar or pine shavings, as the oils in the wood can irritate your mouse's eyes and skin. Aspen chips or shavings, shredded paper, unscented paper towels and unscented toilet paper are all oil-free, and make excellent, safe bedding choices for mice. Bedding should be changed once a week.
FEEDING HABITS
Mice should be given fresh water at least once a day through a water tube or bottle, which attaches to the side of its home. Water should never be given in a dish. Food often depends on the individual mouse's tastes. A mixture of seed or pellets, specially made for rodents makes for a hearty diet. Food should be added to a ceramic bowl twice daily. Never use plastic dishes, as the mouse will chew on it.
HANDLING A MOUSE
Mice love to be handled and played with and for this reason, make great pets for children. It is rare for a mouse to bite. If you want your mouse to feel comfortable with you, you'll need to handle it daily. Always wash your hands prior to picking up the mouse. Mice are easily frightened by strange smells. When first interacting with your mouse, put your hand in the cage and allow him to come to you. Don't make any sudden moves or attempt to pick the mouse up, until he is comfortable with your scent. Never pick your mouse up by the tail. Always scoop them from their belly, providing support for their feet with your other hand.
SPECIAL CONCERNS
Male mice can be aggressive to the point of injuring or killing other mice within their colony. If this is a problem, be prepared to house the male mouse separately for a short time.
Mice may be one of the smallest pets in the world, but they also come with big odors. Fresh bedding, sprays and mice-friendly treatments are available commercially to deal with this problem.
If you have several mice living together, they will reproduce quickly. Baby mice can be sold to pet stores, but note that they are almost always sold as food for snakes and other animals. If you don't want to deal with new, young mice, see your veterinarian about sterilization procedure information.
LIFE EXPECTANCY
The life expectancy of a mouse in the wild can be as short as weeks or months. Pet mice, properly cared for, live 3-5 years.
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