Should I get a pet mouse? The question isn’t easy to answer, but hopefully this blog will help you decide. I’m going to cover the pros and cons of getting a pet mouse, and share with you some personal experiences.
Whether you’re getting a pet mouse for your home or for a pet store, you’ll want to find out if you should get a pet mouse based on your specific needs and reasons. Do you have the time, patience, and money to take care of a pet mouse?
Should I Get A Pet Mouse?
Are you thinking about getting a pet mouse? If so, there are several things to consider before you make your final decision.
First, are you prepared for the responsibilities of owning a pet mouse? Mice can be messy, loud, and destructive if they’re not provided with proper care. Because of this, it’s important that you are willing to commit time and energy into caring for your new pet.
Second, do you have the space required to house your new pet mouse? Mice can live in large enclosures or small cages depending on their needs and breed type. You should make sure that whatever size enclosure or cage you choose will comfortably house your new friend so they can live comfortably in their new environment.
Thirdly, is your home safe for mice? If not then it may be best if you reconsider owning a pet mouse until these issues are resolved because although they may seem cute at first glance when they’re small but once they grow up into adults then things could get ugly fast!
Whether or not you should get a pet mouse is a question you have to answer for yourself.
Mice are very cute and fun to watch, but they’re also very small and fragile. If you want to handle them, they’ll need to be handled gently.
If you want a pet that will run around your house, then mice aren’t a good choice. They’re active during the day and sleep at night, so if you want an animal that will play with you during the day, then maybe a rat would be better for you.
If you decide to get a mouse as a pet, remember that they need lots of attention and care, especially if they’re going to live in an aquarium environment. You’ll need to feed them every day (they eat small amounts of food frequently), give them fresh water every day (the water needs changing regularly), clean their cage every week or so (you’ll need special cleaning supplies), and change their bedding once or twice per month (you can buy bedding from pet stores).
Should I Get A Pet Mouse
Pet mice are entertaining to watch, are easy to care for, and make very few demands on their owners. They are a bit skittish and harder to handle than some larger rodents, such as rats, but they can learn to be comfortable with handling, especially if tamed from a young age. Pet mice come in a wide array of colors with fairly short fur. Their rounded ears and long tail have minimal fur. As nocturnal animals, mice will generally be most active at night and sleep through the day. In terms of their care, they require a quality rodent food and regular habitat cleanings.
Species Overview
Common Names: Mouse, house mouse
Scientific Name: Mus musculus
Adult Size: 5 to 7 inches long (including tail), weighing around 1 ounce
Lifespan: 1 to 3 years
Mouse Behavior and Temperament
Mice are social animals and like living with members of their species. A pair of females is the easiest arrangement, though a small group of females is fine too if you provide the cage space. Do not let pairs of males live together unless they were littermates, never separated, and have a large enough cage that they can have their own space. Unfamiliar males are likely to fight. Also, avoid keeping males and females together unless you want lots of baby mice in a short amount of time.
Keep mice away from other household pets to avoid any stress and injury. But they can learn to be comfortable around humans, and many can become hand-tame. However, mice that are not accustomed to handling—or mice that are not handled gently—might bite. Inappropriate handling also can injure a mouse. For instance, a fall from even just a few feet can cause serious damage, as can holding a mouse by its tail. It is best to hold the mouse just above your lap or some other soft surface in case it escapes your hands.
Mice are quiet pets, though their nocturnal activities might keep you up if their enclosure is near your bed. Plan to spend a few hours per week on feedings and keeping the habitat clean.
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Size Information
Mice stretch around 5 to 7 inches long from nose to tail. Their bodies alone are roughly 3 inches long. And they weigh around an ounce. Mice reach maturity at about 2 months old.
Housing
The size of the cage you will need depends on how many mice you keep together. A 10-gallon aquarium with a secure mesh top or a similarly sized wire cage should be suitable for one to four mice. Wire cages offer better ventilation, though you must make sure the bar spacing is narrow enough that your mouse can’t squeeze through. Horizontal bars, as well as cages with multiple levels, are ideal to provide climbing opportunities. Avoid cages with wire floors; solid flooring is a lot easier on the mice’s feet.
Modular plastic cages meant for hamsters also can be suitable for mice. However, they often are challenging to clean and are sometimes poorly ventilated. A determined mouse might even chew through the plastic.
Furthermore, mice universally love running on exercise wheels (with a solid surface, as wires can be harmful), tunnels, and toys, including:
- Wood chew blocks
- Small cardboard boxes
- Ladders
- Cotton ropes
- Paper towel or toilet paper tubes
- Small willow balls
Besides various toys, the habitat also should have a nest box or other type of shelter where the mice can go to feel secure. Keep the cage out of drafts and away from direct sunlight.
Specific Substrate Needs
On the floor of the habitat, add several inches of aspen shavings or undyed paper bedding. Avoid cedar and pine bedding due to their oils that can be harmful to mice.1 Also, offer nesting material, such as strips of facial tissue, paper towels, or hay. Clean out nesting material every month or two (frequent changes can be disruptive) unless it becomes soiled. Change the bedding and scrub the enclosure with mild soap and water weekly.