Mice Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Supplies, Food, and More!

If you want a small, sociable pet, a mouse might be the pet for you! But before you take the plunge, it is important to consider the true cost of adopting a mouse. This article covers the actual expenses you can expect to pay when buying a mouse and all of the essential supplies that will keep your new furry friend safe and happy. 

Considerations Before Purchasing Pet Mice

Mice are one of the most affordable pets to buy, and you can purchase multiple mice without breaking the bank. However, keep in mind that if you buy both male and female mice and do not neuter your males, your female mouse can have as many as 15 liters per year. Each litter produces about a dozen baby mice! You can avoid this problem by purchasing only female mice in pairs. This will allow them to have companionship without you needing to worry about excessive breeding. It is also a good idea because female mice enjoy being together and are unlikely to behave aggressively toward each other.

You may also want to consider the lifespan of the average mouse. Most mice only live between 1 and 2 years. This means that you will likely not have your pet mice for very long. However, once you invest in the necessary supplies, you can reuse the cage and other items with future mice you adopt.

Before you adopt any pet, be sure to learn about the necessary supplies that will keep them safe and well and read expert advice.

How Much Does a Pet Mouse Cost?

Please keep in mind that the cost of a mouse or pair of mice can vary depending on where you live and which type of mouse you buy. It might also depend on where you purchase the mouse. Typically, you can adopt your first mouse from a local pet store, national pet supply store, mice breeder, or pet shelter. 

Typically, a single mouse costs between $5 and $10. However, this can vary depending on the breed. A common pet mouse breed is the fancy mouse, which costs about $8. Other types, such as a satin mouse, may cost closer to $20 each.

Supplies for a Pet Mouse

Enclosure

Before bringing your pet mouse home, you need to select a suitable home. Since mice gnaw on everything and are skilled escape artists, make sure you choose a safe enclosure with a secure lid. Stainless steel, plastic, and glass enclosures are the best choice. Keep their new home well-lit, clean, and ventilated. From there, thoroughly clean their enclosure and everything inside of it at least once a week to keep the environment clean and cozy for your pet mice. 

Mice need to have space to burrow and the chance to climb. With that in mind, choose an enclosure that is wide and deep enough for both of these important mouse activities. An enclosure of 25 inches by 17 or 18 inches with a significant tub size to hold a thick layer of bedding will give your mouse the chance to burrow. Then, make sure the enclosure is at least 15 to 16 inches inch tall.

A suitable enclosure will vary in price by size and other design details. In general, the best mouse cages or enclosures are between $50 and $150. Of course, you can spend more to get a fancier cage with more features. 

After you buy your pet enclosure, keep the bottom covered with bedding to keep your mice cozy and clean. This can cost between $3 and $8 for one packet of bedding, which should be replaced weekly. You should plan to spend between $10 and $25 on bedding each month.

Exercise and Toys

Like for hamsters and other rodents, an exercise wheel is an important item to include in your mouse’s habitat. This will keep your mouse healthy and entertained on a daily basis. An exercise wheel typically costs about $20. Food dishes for mice cost around $4 to $9. A small rodent water bottle costs around $10 to $15. 

Vet Bills

In case your mice get sick, make sure you have pet insurance or at least $200-300 on hand to cover the cost of veterinary care. This will keep you from being surprised by an unexpected expense if your mouse needs to take a trip to the vet’s office.

Food

Your new pet mouse will require rodent-specific food. You can choose from several different brands. Just make sure your pet always has access to fresh food and water. Maintaining their regular diet will cost about $10 per month, plus any additional fruit and vegetables you share with your pet.

Summary of Costs

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