Pet Mice: 9 Things You Need to Know

Adopting pet mice is a big moment for anyone. Although a mouse doesn’t have the same demands as a cat or dog, caring for one isn’t just a walk in the park. You need to consider factors like how many mice you want to have, their diet, which cage to buy, and what health problems you need to plan for. Here are nine things you need to know about caring for pet mice.

1. The Most Common Pet Mice

Not every mouse species is meant to be a pet. Fancy mice (Mus musculus) are the most common types of mice sold as pets, although other species are sometimes available, such as African pygmy mice. Fancy mice are essentially house mice that have been domesticated. These mice are available in a variety of coat colors. They are generally shades of black, white, or tan, but can be piebald or spotted. They can also be shorthaired or longhaired. For more detailed information on breed standards, you can visit the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (AFRMA).

2. Mice Are Social

Fancy mice are very social and should live with other mice. Veterinarians recommend keeping female mice in pairs or small groups. Males are not recommended as they can be aggressive with cagemates and are prone to fighting. Only purchase your new pet from reputable sellers or breeders who socialize their mice. Fancy mice are unfortunately frequently surrendered to shelters and rescues, so these can be great places to find new pets who need a home.

3. Mice Require a Particular Diet

Store-bought rodent pellets are designed to ensure your pet mice get the nutrition they need. However, you can also offer small pieces of fresh produce, such as carrots, peas, celery, broccoli, bananas, and apples. Mice like to graze, so add all of their pellets to the bowl at once so they can eat whenever they feel hungry. Pet mice should also have constant access to clean water. A hanging water bottle is the most sanitary option for providing water.

4. The Proper Habitat

The majority of your pet mouse’s life will be spent within the confines of their habitat, so they need enough space to exercise and explore. Experts recommend a 10-gallon aquarium for 1 to 3 mice or a wire cage a minimum of 24 inches long by 12 inches wide. They prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. Mice also require one hiding hut per mouse so they have a place to retreat to and feel safe. They need around 2 inches of paper-based bedding, and timothy hay, alfalfa, and orchard grass make good nesting materials. Their cage should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a week, with spot cleans daily as needed.

5. Mice Need Plenty of Exercise

Mice have tons of energy. Their habitat should already provide them with plenty of room to run, explore, and play, but they also need daily exercise. Rather than bringing them on a walk, the solution is simple — a wheel. Pet stores usually carry plenty of fun toys that allow mice to exercise in their habitat. Choose a wheel with a solid surface that is 6 to 8 inches in diameter. In addition to a wheel, mice also enjoy tunnels and climbing toys.

6. Grooming Habits

Like cats, mice are self-sufficient when it comes to grooming. They not only groom themselves, but also often groom each other. It is unlikely they will need bathing, but a rare sponge bath may be required for elderly or injured mice. The key to their care is monitoring their grooming habits. Mice that groom constantly might be stressed or nervous, indicating the need to reevaluate their environment or any triggers in the home.

7. Dental Care

When it comes to taking care of your mouse’s teeth, you won’t have to break out a tiny toothbrush. Like all rodents, mice have incisors that continuously grow throughout their lives. A proper diet of rodent pellets and crunchy produce will help keep their teeth healthy. However, to ensure their teeth do not grow too long and cause pain, provide your mice with safe wooden blocks, nylon chews, and cardboard. They’ll even shred the cardboard to make additional bedding for their cage. Regular veterinary checks are also important to maintain proper dental health.

8. Common Health Problems

Pet mice are fairly easy to care for, but there are a few issues to watch out for. Pet mice are prone to obesity, so a proper diet and plenty of exercise are essential. Mice are known to suffer from respiratory diseases and certain types of cancers. Parasites and other skin diseases are also common. If your pets have poor appetites, irritated skin, abnormal stools, difficulty breathing, or exhibit any other unusual behavior, contact your veterinarian.

9. The Mouse Lifespan

Even with the best of care, most mice only have a lifespan of 1 to 3 years. No one wants to say goodbye to a beloved pet too soon. It may be best to find a mouse that is as young as possible to make the most of its lifespan. Most breeders will post locally or online when they have a new litter available to adopt.