How to care for mice? - briefly
Provide a spacious cage with appropriate bedding, fresh water, and a balanced diet of commercial mouse pellets supplemented by occasional fruits and vegetables; maintain a stable temperature (18‑24 °C), clean the enclosure regularly, and handle the animals gently to minimize stress.
How to care for mice? - in detail
Provide a spacious cage with solid flooring; wire floors cause foot injuries. Minimum dimensions: 30 × 30 × 30 cm for a pair, larger for groups. Use a secure lid to prevent escape. Line the bottom with a thick layer of aspen bedding, avoiding pine or cedar, which release harmful oils.
Offer a balanced diet consisting of a commercial mouse pellet, fresh water, and occasional treats. Supply pellets daily; replace uneaten food each evening to prevent spoilage. Include small portions of fresh vegetables (carrot, broccoli) and protein sources (hard‑boiled egg, mealworms) no more than twice weekly. Ensure water bottles are cleaned and refilled daily.
Maintain a regular cleaning schedule. Spot‑clean soiled bedding daily. Perform a full cage cleaning weekly: remove all items, wash with mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and replace bedding. Disinfect accessories with a diluted bleach solution (1 % concentration) and rinse well.
Implement environmental enrichment. Provide chew blocks, tunnels, climbing structures, and nesting material such as shredded paper. Rotate items weekly to sustain interest and reduce stereotypic behavior.
Monitor health indicators. Observe for signs of respiratory distress (labored breathing, nasal discharge), skin lesions, hair loss, or changes in activity level. Conduct weekly weight checks; a healthy adult mouse typically weighs 20–30 g. Promptly isolate any ill individual and consult a veterinarian experienced with rodents.
Handle mice gently by scooping them from below with both hands, supporting the body to prevent stress. Limit handling sessions to a few minutes initially, increasing duration as the animal becomes accustomed. Wash hands before and after each session to reduce disease transmission.
Control breeding if not intended. Separate males from females after sexual maturity (5–7 weeks) to prevent unwanted litters. If breeding is desired, provide a nest box and monitor pregnancies; gestation lasts approximately 19–21 days, and litters average 5–8 pups.
Provide a consistent light cycle, ideally 12 hours light and 12 hours darkness, using a timer to avoid abrupt changes. Keep the cage away from drafts, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures; maintain ambient temperature between 18 °C and 26 °C.
Record observations in a log: date, cage conditions, diet changes, health notes, and any veterinary interventions. This documentation supports early detection of problems and facilitates optimal care.