What do ground mice eat? - briefly
Ground mice feed mainly on seeds, grains, nuts and other plant material, supplementing their diet with insects, spiders and occasional small invertebrates. Their consumption varies with seasonal availability of these resources.
What do ground mice eat? - in detail
Ground-dwelling mice obtain nutrition from a wide range of natural food sources, adapting their intake to seasonal availability. Their diet emphasizes high‑energy plant material, supplemented by animal protein when accessible.
- Seeds and grains: wheat, barley, oats, millet, and grass seeds form the core of daily consumption, providing carbohydrates and essential fatty acids.
- Vegetative matter: tender shoots, leaves, grasses, and young roots supply fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In spring, fresh herbaceous growth is favored; in winter, dried stems and bark become more prevalent.
- Fruits and berries: wild strawberries, blackberries, and small fruits contribute sugars and antioxidants, especially during summer months.
- Invertebrates: beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, and other soft‑bodied arthropods deliver protein and micronutrients. Insect capture peaks in warm periods when prey abundance rises.
- Fungi: sporocarps of mushrooms and mycelial fragments are occasionally ingested, offering additional protein and sterols.
- Supplementary items: occasional consumption of nuts, acorns, and small vertebrate carrion occurs when resources are scarce.
Water intake derives from dew, moist vegetation, and occasional standing water. In captivity, a balanced rodent chow enriched with grains, protein pellets, and fresh vegetables replicates the nutritional profile of their wild diet, ensuring adequate caloric and nutrient intake throughout the year.