How to care for a white domestic mouse? - briefly
Provide a spacious cage with solid flooring, fresh bedding, and regular cleaning; supply a balanced diet of commercial mouse pellets, occasional fresh vegetables, and constant access to clean water. Ensure a stable temperature, gentle handling, and routine health checks to prevent stress and disease.
How to care for a white domestic mouse? - in detail
A white domestic mouse requires a secure enclosure, balanced nutrition, regular health checks, and mental stimulation.
The cage should be solid‑bottom, at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm for a single animal, with a secure lid to prevent escape. Provide a nesting box lined with soft, non‑abrasive material such as shredded paper. Include a running wheel with a solid surface to avoid foot injuries, and attach several chewable items (untreated wood blocks, cardboard tubes) to satisfy the animal’s natural gnawing instinct.
Nutrition must consist of a high‑quality mouse pellet as the staple, complemented by fresh vegetables (carrot, broccoli, cucumber) and occasional protein sources (hard‑boiled egg, mealworms). Offer fresh water daily in a sipper bottle; replace it at least once every 24 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Avoid sugary treats and foods high in fat, which can lead to obesity and liver disease.
Health monitoring includes daily observation for signs of respiratory distress (labored breathing, nasal discharge), skin lesions, and abnormal behavior (lethargy, aggression). Conduct a weekly weight check; a healthy adult mouse typically weighs 20–30 g. Schedule a veterinary examination at least twice a year, focusing on dental health, as overgrown incisors can impair eating.
Handling should begin within the first week of acquisition. Approach calmly, allow the mouse to sniff the hand, then gently scoop using both palms to support the body. Limit sessions to 5–10 minutes to reduce stress, and increase duration gradually as the animal becomes accustomed.
Cleaning procedures: remove soiled bedding daily, replace with fresh, absorbent material (paper‑based or aspen shavings). Perform a full cage cleaning weekly—disinfect surfaces with a mild, animal‑safe solution, rinse thoroughly, and dry before reassembly.
Enrichment strategies: rotate toys weekly to maintain interest, introduce tunnels or maze sections to encourage exploration, and provide a small, shallow dish of sand for grooming behavior.
Breeding considerations: only attempt reproduction with healthy, unrelated individuals. Provide a separate breeding cage with additional nesting material, and monitor the female closely for signs of pregnancy (enlarged abdomen, nesting behavior). Separate the male after successful mating to prevent stress.
By maintaining these environmental, dietary, health, and behavioral standards, a white pet mouse can achieve optimal well‑being and a long, active life.