Mice

What is a mouse?

Mice are small rodents who are very active. They are best housed in groups of three or more as they're social animals and are easily tamed.

Mice are intelligent, playful and curious. They love interaction and exploring their cage!

KEY INFORMATION

Lifespan: 1-2 years
Size: 5-8cm
Colour: various
Most active: daytime

Download our Mouse Care sheet (pdf)

Mouse care

Diet and nutrition

Mice are omnivores so need a good quality mix such as the Beri mouse mix from Rat Rations.

They can have fruit and vegetables in moderation, but it's best to avoid anything too sugary and they shouldn't be fed citrus fruits.

Mice require extra protein so feeding a few dried meal worms as a weekly treat is perfect.

Other safe treats include: gravy or milk bones, dried pasta, small amounts of veggies, loose millet spray, hay and dried forage should be provided.

Mice require unlimited fresh water in water bottle with a metal tube or shallow bowl.

Accomodation and environment

The minimum recommended cage size for a mouse is 80 x 50cm. Cages with narrow bar spacing are most suitable.

Mice are best housed in groups of three or more as they're social animals

Mice must be kept indoors.

Mice may be small in size but they are incredibly energetic and will need a large cage to live in with lots of enrichment to keep them happy and healthy. Recommended cages for mice include: the Alaska, the Savic Plaza, the Barney, the Hamster Heaven, the Savic Freddy 2, the Detolf, or the Duna Multy Maxi.

If you prefer to use a tank, you must ensure it has good ventilation and opportunities for them to climb. Mice need hides, huts and hammocks for sleeping.

Enrichment

Like most small pets rodents, mice like to run! You should provide a solid surface exercise wheel, for example, a 20cm Trixie wheel or a large flying saucer. Provide two wheels for larger groups.

Bedding

Mice love to dig so will need a deep layer of paper based bedding, e.g. Softacard, Finacard or Fitch, in the base of their cage. They also need nesting material such as hay, unscented toilet and kitchen roll.

IMPORTANT: Although it might look like a comfy choice for your mouse/mice, you should avoid using fluffy or cotton wool type bedding. It can cause respiratory issues, get trapped around limbs or cause blockages if swallowed.

How to health-check your mouse

This video from Wood Green Animal Shelter provides some great guidance on how to give your mouse a health check.

Download our Spotting Illness in Mice care sheet (pdf)