How should you feed a mouse properly? - briefly
Provide a balanced diet of commercial mouse pellets supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional protein sources, while ensuring continuous access to clean water. Avoid sugary or fatty treats and replace food daily to prevent spoilage.
How should you feed a mouse properly? - in detail
Mice require a balanced diet that supplies protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals in proportions that support rapid growth and high metabolic rate. Commercial rodent pellets formulated for mice deliver the necessary nutrients in a consistent, calibrated blend, reducing the risk of deficiencies.
- High‑quality pellets (primary staple)
- Small amounts of seed or grain mix (occasional supplement)
- Fresh vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or leafy greens (2–3 g per mouse, 2–3 times weekly)
- Limited fruit pieces (e.g., apple or banana, no more than 1 g per serving)
- Occasional protein treats (hard‑boiled egg, mealworm) in very small quantities
Portion control is critical. Provide enough pellets to allow the mouse to eat 2–3 g per day; excess leads to obesity, while shortage causes weight loss. Offer fresh foods in measured portions and remove uneaten items within 24 hours to prevent spoilage.
Water must be available at all times. Use a sipper bottle with a stainless‑steel or plastic nozzle; clean and refill daily. Avoid open water dishes, which become contaminated quickly.
Observe body condition, coat quality, and activity level. A healthy mouse maintains a smooth, glossy coat and shows normal grooming behavior. Adjust the diet if weight deviates by more than 10 % of the target range, or if signs of diarrhea, hair loss, or lethargy appear. Regularly rotate fresh produce to prevent nutrient monotony and ensure a varied vitamin intake.