Providing a Home for Mice

Various cages are available to keep mice. In general, a cage should have good ventilation, be easy to clean, and be escape-proof. The cage floor should be solid; wire mesh or grid flooring can damage the feet and legs of mice. Cages made of wood are unacceptable for mice because their urine will soak into the wood. This causes ammonia buildup, which can lead to respiratory disease. Mice may also chew through the wood, allowing them to escape.

Cages must have wire mesh on the top for good ventilation. The wire should be fine enough to prevent escape and strong enough to resist chewing from adult mice. A mesh with squares measuring 1 cm or less is recommended. The minimum cage size for 2 to 3 mice is 18 inches (45 cm) long by 18 inches (45 cm) wide by 10 inches (25 cm) high. The bedding and floor covering should be absorbent. Commercially available paper-based bedding is the best choice for bedding, as it is not dusty and is digestible if eaten. Wood shavings are less ideal, because they can cause gastrointestinal tract obstruction if eaten, and some types of wood (cedar and pine) contain oils that may irritate the mouse’s respiratory system. Hay or shredded paper may be added on top of bedding, because mice like to create nests in bedding for sleeping.

Fresh water should be available at all times to prevent dehydration. A water bottle with a hanger that allows mice to easily access the water is recommended. Holders with chew guards for the water bottle are available. These allow you to hang the bottle inside the cage. A water dish or bowl should be used only in emergencies because mice often will spill the water or push bedding in it. If you use a food dish, it should be easy to clean and sturdy enough to prevent tipping.

Poor environmental quality, such as high ammonia levels and poor-quality bedding materials, can increase the risk of bacterial or viral infections in mice. Cages should be spot cleaned daily and completely cleaned out with hot, soapy water at least once a week. Bedding should be changed at least twice weekly. Fresh water and food should be provided daily, and all uneaten food should be removed each day from the cage. All dishes and water bottles should be thoroughly cleaned before refilling.

Mice need a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Commercial mouse diets contain all the vitamins and minerals mice need and are also hard enough to wear down their constantly growing incisor teeth. Pelleted diets formulated for pet mice should be supplemented with small amounts of fresh vegetables and occasional sunflower seeds and fruit as treats. On average, an adult mouse will eat 3 to 5 g of food and will drink 3 to 5 mL of water daily. Pet mice should have food available at all times. Fresh food can be provided once a day (at night); uneaten food should be removed. It is normal for mice to eat their own fecal pellets.

Routine exercise is necessary for good health in all animals. Mice are extremely active and enjoy opportunities to exercise and play. Access to exercise wheels, tubes, ladders, and climbing blocks will fulfill this need. To prevent their small toes and legs from getting caught and injured, exercise wheels should be smooth inside, rather than perforated. The cage should be large enough to accommodate some of these cage toys and allow comfortable movement around them.

Mice are very social animals, and they appreciate being in a group. However, male mice tend to fight unless they grew up together. Unrelated female mice can normally be placed in the same cage without any problems.

Usually, mice are good pets for children. However, they should be kept away from other pets in the house such as dogs, cats, birds, and other rodents. Remember, mice are the natural prey for several of these animals!

Because mice are nocturnal, they can be quite active at night. You may want to consider placing the cage in a location where sleeping family members will not be disturbed by their activity.

Also see professional content regarding mice as pets.