Keeping pet mice can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to know their individual needs and behaviors before bringing them into your home. Whether you’re looking for long-term companions or short-term playmates, knowing the characteristics of mice will help you decide if they are the right pet for you.
Basics of Mice Care.
Caring for mice is fairly easy once you understand their basic needs. Depending on your type of mouse, you will need to provide food, bedding and toys. A steady diet of cheesy crunch or lab blocks should be supplemented with small amounts of fresh produce (such as carrots, apples or berries) and treats like sunflower seeds and nuts. Bedding material should be changed regularly and litter replaced as needed. Mice are excellent climbers, so it is important to provide plenty of climbing structures in the form of ramps, tunnels and ladders. To keep your pet entertained, you can also add some fun activities such as running wheels, houses or other interactive objects.
When it comes to companionship, mice are very social creatures. Not only do they enjoy interacting with people or other mice, but their playtime and grooming rituals also provide a source of entertainment for you. If your mouse is friendly, it will gladly accept pets and enjoy being held (assuming you’ve been kind and gentle with it). Mice are fairly intelligent animals that can even be trained using positive reinforcement techniques such as clicker training. With patience and consistent effort, you may even be able to teach your pet some fun tricks like come when called or swim in a small pool.
What Environment Do Mice Need?
The key to keeping mice happy is providing them with a comfortable, stimulating environment. This includes the right amount of space, temperature, humidity and cleaning. When it comes to space, we recommend at least 450 square inches per mouse so they have room to roam and get plenty of exercise. Your pet should also be kept in an area which has a stable temperature between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, mice need relative humidity between 30% and 50%. Lastly, cleanliness is paramount; cages should be spot cleaned daily and fully cleaned and disinfected weekly to help create a healthy living environment.
Are They Cuddly?
Mice can be cuddly, though they much prefer to explore their environment than to sit in someone’s hand. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t like human interaction! When handled gently and cautiously they will eventually warm up to you. It’s important to note that you should always pick them up from beneath—never reach above them or startle them. To further help tame your mouse’s wild side, interact with it for at least fifteen minutes a day by talking to it softly and offering treats like cooked vegetables or fruits as rewards.
Mice can make for great pet companions, especially since they are so easy to maintain and socialize. You can even make them familiar with your home and allow them to explore without too much supervision. While having a pet mouse will not mean getting cuddles all the time, you’ll be rewarded with an active and curious companion who likes spending time with its owner. With patience and kindness, it is possible to develop a close bond with your little rodent friend!
Does Handling Stress Them Out?
Most mice handle human handling very calmly in general, but that doesn’t mean they should be bothered constantly or without warning. It’s important to always introduce yourself before attempting to pick up a mouse, as the sound of your voice can help it recognize you when you are close. You may also want to offer a treat as incentive for your mouse to warm up to you and spend time with you; however, keep in mind that it is still subjected to stress during holding so don’t do it too often.
Mice can become stressed when held for too long or disturbed. If you choose to pick up your mouse, be gentle and keep your movements slow and steady. Remember to talk to the mouse whenever possible so that it recognizes your voice in a situation where it might otherwise experience fear. Don’t forget to offer treats so that you not only get your mouse used to human handling but also improve its overall wellbeing as well. Ultimately, allowing your mouse to come up to you on its own terms could lead to a fantastic bond between you and the mouse as well as help them both stay stress-free!
What About Diet and Exercise?
Mice are naturally inquisitive and active creatures, so they require an appropriate amount of exercise and an interesting diet to stay healthy. The best way to keep your mouse active is to provide a wheel for it, as well as access to tunnels, ropes, boxes, and other objects for it to explore. Make sure that its food dish is always filled with fresh food—a mixture of seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables and some commercial pet food will do the trick. Finally, upgrade the cage every now and then to add new items such as toys and treats!
But just because mice are curious and active does not necessarily mean they will be friendly. In fact, it can take time for mice to get used to being handled by people. Proper handling technique should always be learned and practiced—a mouse should never be squeezed or held too tightly, but instead should be gently picked up with both hands and cradled carefully in the center of your palms. With enough patience, your mouse may one day learn to enjoy being stroked and petted.
Another important factor for having a friendly mouse is proper diet and exercise. Mice, like any living creature, need to eat healthy food and get enough of the right types of exercise. A balanced diet full of fresh grains, fruits, and vegetables will keep your mouse energetic and content. Additionally, providing your mouse with a wheel or other toys that encourage physical activity can help keep them healthy and mentally stimulated.
