Housing
- Suggested minimum enclosure sizes are 12-15" x 12-15" x 6" high for each adult mouse. A female with a litter requires 2-3 times that amount of space.
- Enclosures may be metal (standard wire-mesh, rodent-type), plastic (shoebox style with mesh or slotted bar top), or converted aquarium with secure, metal mesh lid.
- Housing should be large enough to accommodate an exercise wheel, nest area, and feeding area.
- Bedding can be shredded paper, hardwood shavings or composite recycled paper pellets.
- Paper towels, tissue, old socks or mittens make great nesting material.
- Cedar shavings are not recommended as they can be irritating to skin and mucous membranes; contain aromatic oils which inhibit liver metabolism.
- All bedding should be changed at least twice a week or more often if odor, urine/moisture, feces build up.
- House males separately to avoid fighting. Mice that have been previously housed alone are more likely to fight when introduced to other mice.
- Room temperatures of 65-85º F (average 72º) with humidity at 30-70% are ideal.
Diet
- Commercial rodent chows (greater then 14% protein- ideally 20-24%) diet formulation.
- Softer pellets for mice <3 weeks old. Babies start gnawing pellets and drinking water at around two weeks, wean at three.
- Hand raising is difficult; it can be done by bottle every 4 hours.
- Seed-based, boxed diets are incomplete and inadequate for mice.
- Sweets, veggies, cheese, liquid vitamins, salt blocks are not recommended for mice if they are fed a good quality pelleted feed and fresh water.
Behavior
- Mice are timid, social, territorial rodents that require gentle handling.
- They are escape artists, and active for periods both during the day and night.
- Mouse social system involves a male hierarchy – adult males may fight initially when caged together.
- Females with litters may defend their nests.
- May bite or pinch with their teeth if roughly handled or startled.
Information taken from The Exotic Companion Medicine Handbook for Veterinarians.
The Animal Health Clinic recommends annual wellness visits for all mices. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at: 701-237-9310 |
