What should you feed a house mouse? - briefly
Provide a diet of high‑protein commercial rodent pellets supplemented with small portions of fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional seeds, avoiding sugary, fatty, or processed foods. Ensure continuous access to clean water.
What should you feed a house mouse? - in detail
A domestic mouse requires a balanced diet that supplies protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Commercial rodent pellets formulated for mice provide a complete nutrient profile and should constitute the primary food source. Each pellet delivers approximately 15 % protein, 5 % fat, and essential micronutrients, supporting growth, reproduction, and immune function.
Supplementary items can enhance variety and stimulate natural foraging behavior:
- Protein additions: boiled egg, cooked chicken breast, low‑fat cottage cheese, mealworms (no more than 5 % of total intake).
- Carbohydrate sources: small pieces of whole‑grain bread, cooked oatmeal, unsweetened cereal.
- Fresh produce: carrot slices, apple wedges (remove seeds), broccoli florets, spinach leaves. Provide no more than 10 % of the diet to prevent excess sugar or fiber.
- Treats (occasionally): plain popcorn, unsalted nuts (tiny pieces), dried fruit (no added sugar). Limit to once or twice per week.
Water must be constantly available in a clean bottle with a metal spout to prevent contamination. Replace daily and monitor for leakage.
Foods to exclude because of toxicity or digestive risk:
- Citrus fruits, onions, garlic, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and any processed snacks containing salt, sugar, or artificial additives.
- Raw beans, especially kidney beans, which contain lectins harmful to rodents.
- Moldy or spoiled items, which can introduce mycotoxins.
Feeding schedule: supply fresh pellets and water at the start of the active period (dusk) and remove uneaten fresh foods after 12 hours to maintain hygiene. Monitor body condition weekly; a healthy mouse maintains a sleek coat, steady weight, and normal activity levels.
Adjust portions based on age and reproductive status. Juvenile mice (under 4 weeks) need higher protein (≈20 %) and more frequent feeding (3–4 times daily). Adult females in gestation or lactation require additional calories, achieved by increasing pellet quantity by 20–30 % and adding protein‑rich supplements.
Regularly inspect the cage for signs of malnutrition—hair loss, lethargy, or abnormal droppings—and modify the diet promptly.