How can you keep mice at home? - briefly
Provide a secure, escape‑proof cage with appropriate bedding, fresh food, and water, and clean it regularly while offering enrichment items. Keep the enclosure in a quiet, temperature‑controlled area to promote the animals’ health.
How can you keep mice at home? - in detail
Keeping mice as household pets requires careful preparation, consistent care, and attention to health and safety.
First, select an appropriate enclosure. A glass or polycarbonate tank with a secure lid prevents escape and protects against predators. The tank should be at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm for a single adult; larger space is advisable for multiple individuals. Provide a solid floor covered with a thick layer of absorbent bedding such as aspen shavings, paper-based substrate, or coconut fiber. Replace bedding weekly to control odor and moisture.
Second, create a suitable environment inside the cage. Install a solid wooden or plastic hideaway where the animal can retreat. Add a running wheel of at least 30 cm diameter, anchored securely to avoid tipping. Provide chew blocks or untreated wooden toys to satisfy the species’ constant need to gnaw, which protects teeth from overgrowth. Maintain ambient temperature between 18 °C and 24 °C and keep humidity around 40‑60 %. Avoid direct sunlight and drafts.
Third, establish a balanced diet. Offer a commercial mouse pellet as the staple food, measured according to the animal’s weight (approximately 5 g per 20 g body mass per day). Supplement with fresh vegetables (e.g., carrots, broccoli, leafy greens) and occasional fruit in small quantities. Provide a constant supply of fresh water using a sipper bottle with a metal spout; clean and refill daily.
Fourth, implement a health-monitoring routine. Observe for signs of respiratory distress, nasal discharge, wheezing, or changes in activity level. Check the condition of the teeth weekly; they should be sharp and not overly long. Schedule a veterinary examination with an exotic‑animal specialist at least once a year, or sooner if illness is suspected.
Fifth, practice proper hygiene and safety. Clean the cage thoroughly every two weeks: remove all bedding, wash the interior with mild, unscented soap, rinse well, and dry before adding fresh substrate. Wash feeding dishes and water bottles with hot water. Wash hands before and after handling the mouse to prevent disease transmission.
Sixth, consider social needs. Mice are social rodents; housing a pair or small group reduces stress and promotes natural behavior. Ensure the group consists of same‑sex individuals or a single male with multiple females, and monitor for aggression. Provide enrichment items such as tunnels, ladders, and nesting material (cotton or shredded paper) to stimulate exploration.
Finally, comply with local regulations. Verify that keeping mice as pets is permitted in your jurisdiction and that no special permits are required. Maintain records of acquisition, health checks, and any veterinary treatments for reference.
By following these steps—selecting a secure enclosure, creating a stable habitat, providing a nutritionally complete diet, monitoring health, maintaining cleanliness, addressing social needs, and adhering to legal requirements—one can successfully care for mice within a domestic setting.