Mice are happy, playful animals and they make great pets. You will be amazed to see how easily mice warm up to you. However, you must know how to take care of mice.
Like most of the other animals, mice also have their own unique personality. Some might like to run on wheels, while others will be a little shy and want a comfortable nest to stay in. Owners will have to pay attention on the personality of their mice, so that they get proper care and attention. Here are some simple steps on how to take care of mice.
Things Required:
- Aspen bedding
- Cage with bar spacing of 1cm.
- Meshed lid if you are using a tank
- Water
- Water bottle
- Food bowl
- Toys
- Food
Steps:
- Get ready. Before you get this new pet in your home, it is necessary that you have all the supplies ready. Set up the cage and fill the food and water bottle. When you get the new mice home, they will take some time to adjust to the new environment. Therefore, be ready from the start so that the transition will be less stressful for you and your mice.
- Get informed. Before you buy your mice you must do some research on pet care. Personal websites and pet stores will be notorious in giving you misinformation. The best source for getting information on mice care will be breeders.
- Now, you will have to look for a vet who works specially for exotic or pocket pets. Always remember that even mice suffer from pain as much as any other animal. If you purchase mice from the pet store, then it will be more prone to suffering from illness and diseases. If you are not able to afford the vet bills and the medicines required for the treatments, then it is best if you don’t buy mice.
- Keep asking your vet questions. Make sure that you choose a vet who can be available in emergencies. Since a mouse is small, a small illness can become a big problem. Therefore, it will be important for you to get them immediate care.
- You must decide if you need a single male or a trio of females. Make sure that whatever you choose fits your lifestyle. If you are not able to devote time for your pet then you must not purchase a male.
- Ask yourself a question, do you want a male? Male mice will come with a certain characteristic, which will make them perfect pet for most of the people. First, male mice must be kept alone. Male mice tend to fight together, so never keep two males together. However, male mice are very social with their owners and they will start loving you unconditionally.
- Unlike the male mice, the females must always be kept in groups. A trio of three females will work fine. If one of the mice passes away, the other two will have company. If you want to keep more than one mice, then you must get females.
- Never combine males and females. This is important because the breeding will start soon and it is not possible for you to avoid pregnancy. Pregnancy is very hard on the animals. Always remember that you must never breed the mice, unless you are ready to take the responsibility of the new pups. Mice will have a litter of 15 or more pups, so if you are ready for all this then you can breed your mice.
- Choose a proper cage for your mice. The best cage for mice will be the wired cage with a bar spacing of 1 cm. Wire cages will give enough opportunity for enrichment and they will not have any problems with ventilation. If you wish to get a tank then you will need a mesh covering for increasing air circulation for your pet.
- Tanks will be very easy to clean and sanitize, but taming your mouse will be difficult. Make sure that the bar spacing is not more than 1 cm, because mice are expert escape artists and they will escape easily. Remember that whenever you buy a cage the floor space will matter a lot as compared to headroom.
- Provide something for your mice to walk on and remember that bedding is necessary. You must never use cider or pine for bedding, because they can harm the respiratory system of mice and make it difficult for them to breathe. In addition, you will have to avoid sawdust, sand or anything else, which can be easily inhaled by your mice.
- Provide them something to nest in. You must always give your mice a soft material, which they will shred for building their nest. The most suitable material for this will be tissue paper, paper towels or toilet papers. Always stay away from the commercially sold nesting products, they are not only expensive but they have fibers that can be fatal for your mice. The most entertaining bedding for your mice will be cotton pods; they will break it open and start distributing bedding in the way they like.
- Avoid introducing nasties and parasites. You will have to freeze the bedding or bake it before you use it, because this will help in eliminating the parasites. You must freeze the bedding on 0 degree Fahrenheit, if you want to bake it then do it on 140 degree Fahrenheit for nearly 30 minutes. All the toys given to the mice must be cleaned properly before you use them in the tank. You can freeze them just like the bedding or clean them with vinegar and then wash with fresh water.
- Buy food, you must make sure that your mice has food all the time. You must give fresh food everyday to your mice as they have very high metabolism. Try getting a pre-made hamster mix and whenever you buy food make sure that it has 13 percent of proteins in it. Remember that you must not buy food with high number of sunflower seeds. They are very fattening and most of the times they use fillers in this food.
- Buy some supplements and snacks. Remember that you must always give treats in moderation and always introduce new treats slowly. Look for signs of diarrhea as this disease can quickly dehydrate them and this will kill your mouse.
- Buy some toys for your mice, as they are curious creatures they will need something to keep them happy. Make sure that you keep a filled water bottle with your mice always. Clean the cage from time to time, and try to maintain a hygienic environment.
- Give some exercise to your mouse; give your mice a wheel to run on. Try to make a positive and healthy relation with your mice. Once the mouse gets familiar to your scent, they will become braver. Therefore, be patient and never expect your mice to get comfortable on the first day itself.
Now you know how to take care of mice, so go ahead and enjoy your time with your new pet.
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