How do I handle my mouse?
Learn to pick mice up gently but firmly by the root of the tail (not the tip) and transfer them to your hand. You may need to keep a hold on the tail to prevent a nervous mouse leaping from your hand. Contrary to popular belief picking up mice in this way does not hurt the mouse - if it did the mouse would squeak!
Can you tell me anything about breeding?
Mice can live for up to two years. They are ready for breeding when about 8 weeks old, and they can deliver a litter of up to 12 babies in three weeks. The babies are born pink and blind, and you should not disturb the nest too much. If you want to pick up the babies then remove the mother, press your palm into the sawdust in the cage to disguise your scent, and do not keep them out of the nest too long. After about 6 days or so the fur will start to grow, and colour will appear. After about 10 days the mice will open their eyes, and at this age it is safe enough to handle them. In fact you should handle them in order to make them tame.
What are common ailments?
Mice are affected by very few ailments. If you suspect that your pet is
not well, do seek your vet's advice without delay. However, mice are generally
healthy animals and if looked after properly throughout their life are
likely to remain fit and active.
What bedding should i avoid?
DO NOT USE CEDAR OR PINE SHAVINGS! They cause respiratory disease and organ damage.
What type of water bottle should i use?
A demand type water bottle is essential in providing fresh clean water for your pet. They can be mounted on the outside of cages, and holders are available for use in tanks.
Do i give my mice toys to play with?
Toys encourage mice to be more active and inquisitive. Good choices , Toilet paper tubes, ladders, wheels, houses, etc.
Do they bite ?
The only time a mouse will bite is to protect itself or its babies from a predator.
How long do they live?
Mice: 1–2 years
What kind of cage do they need?
The best cage for mice is an aquarium with a wire mesh lid.
What do they eat?
The best basic diet for rats and mice is laboratory pellets (lab blocks). Rats and mice also enjoy an occasional treat of wheat bread, fruit, vegetables, pasta or any other people food that is not “junk food.” Be sparing with oily seeds, nuts, and grain mixes.
What is the gestation period, how many babies do they have, and when are they weaned?
The gestation period for mice it is 17–21 days. Mice average 8–12 babies in a litter, but can have as few as 1 or as many as 20. Mice are weaned at 4 weeks.
Will moms eat their babies?
Not normally. The only time mothers will usually eat their babies is when they die from some other cause. Sometimes if a mother mouse is extremely disturbed she will eat her babies, but it is not normal. If a mother eats her babies, there is something very wrong. In most cases, handling the babies does not cause a mother to eat them.
What is a Fancy Rat or Fancy Mouse?
A fancy mouse is an animal which has been bred to conform to a written standard. In other words, these animals are bred by breeders with a specific outcome in mind, and with the ultimate goal of producing the ideal show animal.
Information and advice contained in this section is for your consideration only. Please consult your veterinarian before implementing treatment for your pet .
