Mary Allen
Mice are great pets: they’re easy to keep, curious, playful, and cute. Those who are not afraid of mice and who do not mind the typical mouse smell will certainly enjoy the little rodents a lot. We’ll tell you what to look out for when keeping a mouse.
Mice: Pets With a Long History
First of all, a few words about the history of the mouse: Did you know that mice were bred in China as early as 1100 BC? So they are pets with a long history. The popular color mouse, which we like to keep among all mice, comes directly from the gray house mouse. Just imagine: like almost no other mammal in the world, there are these on every continent!
Mice Need Conspecifics
However, you shouldn’t hold your mouse alone. She needs conspecifics. She would prefer to be a clan, but that is rather difficult because mice reproduce very quickly. Mice are sexually mature as early as four weeks and can then give birth to four to eight young. That’s why it’s best to get a same-sex couple who will get along well. It is best if you get young animals used to each other – this will quickly create mouse friends. Adult animals should always be brought together in a new, unfamiliar cage first.
The Right Food for the Mouse
The diet should look like this: Mice need a varied mix of grains, animal protein, and fresh food. You can supplement this with fresh fruits and vegetables. Every now and then a mealworm or a hard-boiled egg should also be on the mouse menu. Your pets need non-toxic branches to gnaw.
How Mice Want to Live
Even if mice are small: they need space. Choose a spacious cage that is three-dimensional. It should offer different levels with climbing opportunities. Mice love ropes, roots, pipes, and a sleeping house. You change the furnishings regularly – so you won’t get bored in the mouse home. Avoid direct sunlight and heat. You can use dust-free sawdust, hay, straw, or natural litter as litter.
Treat Mice Properly and Keep Them Fit
Mice can quickly become tame with a treat that you offer them on the palm of your hand. Then they quickly climb onto your palm – in the cupped hand you can also carry them or pick them up. Always keep an eye on the health of your mice. A healthy mouse is active, playful, and curious, has a thick, shiny coat, large eyes, and a clean nose. If you have diarrhea or apathy, you have to go to the vet immediately!