Average Size: 3 inches

Lifespan: Up to 3 years

Hygiene and Health: Both pine and cedar can be hazardous to small pets and should be avoided. Water bottles are more practical than a dish and they should be refilled with fresh water daily.

Behavior: Mice are curious active pets who can be enjoyed in or out of their cage.  They can be fun to watch as they play with their toys and interact with each other.  When they are properly socialized to people they can also make good interactive pets.

Diet: Its recommended that mice eat from products that are for hamsters/gerbels and mice. The food products give the mice the proper nutrition that it needs. You can feed them different things on the odd occasion such as crackers(lowsalt), cereals(no sugar), fresh fruits, veggies, etc. Of course there are mixed food products specifically for small animals which have a lot of these already in them.

Habitat: There is many different things you can do use to house a mouse. A mouse cage, critterkeeper, bird cage, or aquarium is fine as long as there is enough ventilation and the cage bars are not more than 1/4 spaced. Mice are escape artists and will escape if the chance arises. A 10 gallon glass aquarium (or larger) makes a good home as long as it has a screen at the top of it. Bedding that is very safe for mice is aspen shavings or Carefresh . Your mouse is sure to appreciate a house and some toys such as a wheel, ladders, teeter-totters, swings and other climbing devices. Adding some hay in the house will make it easy for your mouse to build a warm and cozy nest.

loner or groupies: Males should always be alone. If another male is there fights to the death will occur, if there is a female then you will have 80 mice in that cage in the span three months. Mice are notorious for breeding extremely fast. They are known to mate the very next day of a litter being born. A single male will do fine alone, but if you would like more than one then 3 females should do fine. 2 is risky because if the situation arises where one dies then the one that is left will freak out. Having an extra there will provide a good shoulder to mourn on as opposed to turning cross.

Taming, Training and Handling: Until your mouse is used to being picked up try using a paper cup to scoop her up and release her onto your hand. Small children should be supervised when handling the mouse and reminded not squeeze too tightly. If you have other pets, watch them carefully when your mouse is out of the cage and never leave them alone in the same room. In time your mouse will be used to being held and learn to accept it and possibly enjoy the attention.

Recommended Supplies: