How do you keep a house mouse? - briefly
Provide a secure cage with bedding, food, and water, and maintain regular cleaning to prevent disease and odor. Ensure the enclosure is escape‑proof and located away from children and other pets.
How do you keep a house mouse? - in detail
Keeping a house mouse as a pet requires attention to habitat, nutrition, health, and safety.
A suitable enclosure should be spacious enough for climbing and exploration. A glass or plastic tank with a secure mesh lid prevents escape. Provide multiple levels: a solid floor, a raised platform, and a wheel designed for small rodents. Use bedding made of aspen shavings or paper pulp; avoid pine or cedar, which release harmful oils. Include nesting material such as shredded tissue or cotton.
Nutrition must be balanced. Offer a commercial rodent pelleted diet as the primary food source, supplemented with fresh vegetables (carrot, broccoli, peas) and occasional protein (hard‑boiled egg, mealworms). Provide fresh water daily in a sipper bottle to avoid contamination. Limit sugary treats to prevent obesity and dental problems.
Health monitoring includes regular observation for signs of illness: lethargy, loss of appetite, fur loss, or abnormal droppings. Schedule a veterinary check‑up with a small‑animal specialist at least once a year. Keep the cage clean by spot‑cleaning waste daily and performing a full substrate change weekly.
Safety considerations involve preventing exposure to hazards. Keep the enclosure away from direct sunlight, drafts, and extreme temperatures. Ensure all accessories are free of sharp edges and made of non‑toxic materials. Secure cords and small objects that could be chewed and swallowed.
A concise care routine:
- Daily: refresh water, check food, remove droppings, inspect mouse for injury.
- Weekly: replace bedding, clean cage walls, wash accessories with mild soap.
- Monthly: rotate toys and enrichments, trim nails if necessary, evaluate weight.
By maintaining these conditions, a house mouse can thrive in captivity, exhibiting natural behaviors while remaining healthy and safe.