Looking After Your Mouse
Housing
A wire cage with a solid plastic base is ideal for mice, they should have enough room to stand upright. Provide a nest box and suitable nesting/bedding material. Mice can squeeze through tiny gaps so make sure the housing is escape proof. Keep indoors away from draughts, direct sunlight and other pets. Clean out once a week and always keep a bit of the old bedding for familiarity.
Mice naturally live in groups so keep in single-sex pairs or groups, preferably from the same litter. Do not mix with other species of rodent, such as rats, as they will fight.
Feeding
Choose a suitable mouse feed and check the recommended daily allowance on the pack, making sure the first feed has been finished before topping it up. Dry mix can be supplemented with small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables such as apple, broccoli and carrot. Always provide plenty of clean, fresh water.
Handling
Gain confidence by holding out your hand with a treat to encourage your mouse to approach you. Pick it up by gently holding the base of the tail, lifting carefully and sliding your hand under its body.
Toys & treats
Mice love to groom and play with each other and will enjoy cardboard tubes and gnaw blocks to keep teeth trimmed. Mice love sunflower seeds as an occasional treat. Take care not to over feed as mice can get fat very quickly.
Health
Mice do not live long so most health problems can be attributed to age. Providing a clean, hygienic environment with a healthy, well balanced diet will keep your mice in good health.
If you have any cause for concern for the health of your pet, seek veterinary advice.
You will need…
- Suitable housing/cage
- Soft bedding for small animals
- Dust free wood shavings
- Water bottle and bottle brush
- Metal or ceramic food bowl
- Suitable pet food
- Gnaw block
- Toys and treats
- Vitamin supplements
- Pet safe disinfectant
- Pet care book