Mary Allen
A mouse is great for keeping pets. The small, cute and playful specimens that you can choose from in the pet shop or animal shelter no longer have much in common with their wild counterparts. A tame mouse cannot simply be released into the wild. Therefore, you should think carefully beforehand about what your new pet needs in order to feel comfortable with you. Children from the age of 10 can adopt a responsible attitude. Then they are careful enough because although mice are cuddly, they shouldn’t be touched too roughly.
Species of Mice for Different Needs
Regardless of which species you choose, it is always advisable to keep at least two mice together, because these animals need social contact with other species. No matter how well you take care of your mouse, as long as it doesn’t live with at least one mouse friend, it will not lead a happy life on its own. In any case, you should make sure that you only keep mice of one sex together, otherwise, offspring will appear very quickly. The castration of the males is also helpful because otherwise, it can lead to dangerous rank fights.
Color Mouse
The color mouse is the domesticated form of the common house mouse, which has been used as a cultural follower in Europe for thousands of years. When humans started farming, these wild mice discovered the stored crops as easily accessible sources of food. The color mice can be traced back to these rodents. Through targeted breeding, a wide variety of color variations have emerged, ranging from white to cream to dark brown and black. Two-tone specimens are also popular. The coat color has no influence on the character traits. Color mice are very agile in their activity phases, which alternate with regular rest phases. They climb well, enjoy jumping, and are interested in exploring their surroundings.
Gerbil
Among the various species of a gerbil, the Mongolian gerbil has established itself as an increasingly popular pet. Originally the gerbils are mainly at home in steppe areas in Asia and Africa. The animals come in different colors, with the respective coat color on the back being darker than on the belly. The tail is also covered with fur. Gerbils are very clean animals and the typical mouse odor is not very noticeable in this species.
Spiny Mouse
This species is found in Eurasia and Africa and only occurs in limited color variations, ranging from yellowish to brown to gray. Spiny mice do not tame hands and can be aggressive when they feel threatened. Since they sometimes bite, these mice are particularly suitable for owners who do not seek direct contact with the animal. However, it is very interesting to observe the lively social behavior of the spiny mice. Children and adults who would like to take their mice in their hands to cuddle should not choose this species.
An Enclosure to Feel Good
There are many different ways you can house your mice. In pet supply stores you can choose between different cages and terrariums or aquariums can also be an alternative. If you are a skilled craftsman, you can build a cage according to your own ideas. Make sure, however, that the new mouse housing has a narrow grid because the rodents can fit through the smallest gaps. Your new pets will feel most comfortable when they have several levels with ropes, tubes, and different platforms available in their cage. During the activity phases, mice like to be out and about and climbing is one of their favorite pastimes. A dormitory is ideal for the rest phases. If you provide hay, paper tissues, and similar soft material, the mice can make themselves really comfortable. Regular cleaning of the cage and changing the litter are of course part of keeping the small animals.
Healthy and Varied Feed
A water bottle and stable feeding bowls are part of every cage arrangement. Always make sure that the water bottle is well filled. Your mice will be well taken care of with special feed mixes for small animals, but you should do them something good every day with fresh additions. As rodents, mice like to nibble on various nuts or sunflower seeds. They also have no objection to fresh fruit and vegetables. Once a week, mice enjoy a small portion of quark or a boiled egg, as this is how the protein requirement can be met. If you watch your mice, you will soon find out which food they particularly like. You can use this preference to tame the mice and they will ultimately be happy to come to you.
Toys Provide Variety
A nicely furnished cage already provides a wealth of activities. With special toys, you can add even more variety to your mice’s everyday life. Above all, exercise bikes are particularly popular with rodents, because there they can simply run off at full power. These wheels are made of different materials and when making your selection you should make sure that the rungs are close enough together. Otherwise, the mouse could get caught and injured.
Regular Freewheeling for the Mouse
At least once a week you should allow your mice to run outside of their cage. If possible more often, of course, because a change of scene is good for your pets. Before opening the cage door, make the room mouse-safe. Windows and doors, including cabinet doors, must be kept closed. Otherwise, your pet will wander around and be difficult to find again. In addition, the mice like to gnaw on a lot and with poisonous house plants and live cables, this can be life-threatening. In addition to playing together, you should always keep a close eye on your animal.
Good Health for a Long Mouse Life
A mouse has an average life expectancy of one to two years. Good cage hygiene, healthy food, and keeping several animals together ensure the necessary well-being. Nevertheless, diarrhea, parasite infestation, or other problems can sometimes occur. Monitor your mice regularly and if you notice any changes it is best to consult a veterinarian.