Mouse

A mouse is a good companion for:

Children under 5

Seniors

Apartments/Condos

Children ages 5–11

Busy People

Rural Homes

Life Span

The life span of a mouse may be as long as three years, if it is properly cared for.

Typical Behavior

Mice are nocturnal and will sleep during the day, but will become very active in the evening.

Mice are very curious, like to play and hide in objects. They can frighten easily from loud noises.

Care Requirements

A mouse requires daily care – its water should be changed and any wet bedding should be removed.

Once a week, a mouse's habitat should be completely cleaned and washed with soap and water. Be sure to completely rinse the enclosure and any accessories.

A mouse has incisor teeth that are constantly growing. It is important to provide your pet mouse with chew sticks to help maintain the length of the teeth. Without proper toys to allow a mouse to chew, health-related problems may arise.

Proper Habitat and Habitat Maintenance Requirements

A mouse's home can be a glass, plastic or metal enclosure. Be sure that there is proper airflow and that the enclosure has a secure lid. Mice have been known to escape from their homes if not secured.

When choosing proper bedding for your mouse's home, you should stay away from cedar shavings as these can cause heath issues. Look to use hardwood shavings, pellets or recycled products.

Keep your mouse's home away from direct sun and drafty rooms.

Dietary Requirements

A high quality mouse food is recommended to maintain the health of your mouse. Small amounts of fruit and vegetables can be given to your mouse, but remove any leftovers within 24 hours.

Always avoid giving your mouse chocolate, alcohol and caffeine. These items can cause life threatening health problems.

Financial Considerations for a Mouse:

Veterinary

If your mouse is cared for properly, you will not need to take it to a veterinarian more than once a year for an annual checkup. The cost for a checkup on a mouse generally will be no more than $40, as long as there are no health-related issues.

Grooming

There are no costs associated with grooming.

Animal Sitter

Mice are pretty easy to care for, so finding a sitter should be easy. The hardest part is finding someone who isn’t afraid of mice.

Food

A high quality food will usually cost $12 a bag. A bag of food can last for several months if stored in an air tight container.

Other Supplies:

Generally a mouse will require a cage, bedding, a food bowl, a water bottle, toys including those for exercise and play, and chew sticks.

Interesting Facts about Mice:

• Mice are always eating and will eat just about anything. Their favorite treat is hard bread.
• A mouse is afraid of vertical drops and will not jump off of a high surface to the ground.
• A mouse's tail is equally as long as its body.
• A mouse will organize its home into separate sections for sleeping, eating, play and bathroom purposes.
• Mice do not need vitamin suppliments because they create their own souce of vitamin C.
• Mice have been known to pass disease to humans, so it is important to wash your hands after you handle a mouse.