What do field mice eat when kept at home? - briefly
Field mice kept as pets should receive a balanced diet of commercial rodent pellets enriched with protein, complemented by small portions of fresh vegetables, fruits, and occasional live insects. Fresh water must be offered daily in a clean dispenser.
What do field mice eat when kept at home? - in detail
Field mice kept as indoor pets require a balanced diet that mirrors their natural foraging habits while meeting the nutritional needs of a confined environment. The diet should consist of three main components: protein sources, carbohydrate-rich foods, and fresh produce, supplemented with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Protein: mealworms, dried insects, boiled egg white, low‑fat cooked chicken, and commercially prepared rodent pellets with high protein content.
- Carbohydrates: rolled oats, whole‑grain wheat, barley, and small amounts of plain cooked rice or pasta.
- Fresh produce: finely chopped carrots, broccoli florets, spinach leaves, apple slices (seedless), and berries. All vegetables and fruits must be washed thoroughly and offered in bite‑size pieces.
- Supplements: calcium powder (approximately 0.5 g per 100 g of food), vitamin D drops, and a multivitamin formulated for small rodents, administered according to manufacturer guidelines.
- Water: clean, fresh water available at all times in a shallow bottle or dish; change daily to prevent bacterial growth.
Feeding schedule should provide small portions two to three times daily, preventing overconsumption and reducing the risk of obesity. Food leftovers must be removed within a few hours to avoid spoilage. Avoid toxic items such as chocolate, caffeine, nicotine, raw beans, and any processed foods containing high salt or sugar levels.
Monitoring body condition, coat quality, and activity levels offers a practical method for assessing dietary adequacy. Adjustments to portion sizes or food variety should be made promptly if signs of weight loss, lethargy, or digestive disturbances appear.