Caring for Mice

Mice need a large wire cage, preferably multi-layered, that gives lots of space for the mice to run, climb and explore just like they would in the wild. The floor should be solid to prevent injuries to their feet.

There should also be a nest box for them to hide and rest, mice love to build nests. The ideal temperature should be 18C-22C and the cage should be in a quiet spot away from loud noises and away from direct sunlight and draughts.

Mice love playing and exploring. They are very active and inquisitive animals, so within the cage there should be exercise wheels (large enough for the mice to run comfortably without bending their backs, with no gaps or holes where their tail or legs could get caught), climbing frames, chew toys and hiding places.

Replaceable cardboard rolls and boxes often provide the best entertainment as mice can be destructive. Food trails and hiding treats can also keep them entertained.

Mice spend lots of time sleeping and like to build nests in safe, dark places. Make sure there is a good level of dust-free bedding material as this can help to keep the cage clean and gives your mice a place to burrow. Avoid dusty bedding such as sawdust or any scented/coloured bedding as they can cause breathing problems.

Clean their cage at least once a week. Keep a bit of the old bedding that's still dry and not soiled and put it back in alongside the new bedding, so their cage still smells like home. A spot clean may also be necessary every one to two days, removing droppings and urine-soaked bedding.

In the wild, mice are always on the move and searching for food.

There are two types of special mice food in the pet shops - one a pelleted complete food, and one a muesli style where the mice can select different bits. If the mice start leaving bits, then they are better to have the pelleted complete food.

Foraging is natural behaviour for mice, they love to rummage for their food. They can be fed commercial mouse pellets with additional safe fresh fruit and vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, apples (without seeds), strawberries and cucumber. Some food like grapes, raisins, onions and lettuce are toxic. If you are unsure of what to feed your mice please contact the surgery.

Mice can be prone to putting weight on so keep treats to a minimum and spread the food out in their cage so they can forage for the food.

Mice should have a continuous supply of fresh water, preferably in a bottle to prevent contamination. Water bottles should be checked twice daily and cleaned regularly to prevent algae and bacteria build up.

Blue Cross - Pet mice care

PDSA - Mice as pets

RSPCA - Mice

Even if mice are well, it’s still a good idea to take them for regular check-ups. Mice can become unwell and go downhill very quickly. Mice are prey animals and as such don’t show outward signs of pain and may be suffering before you realise.

Mice can die if they lose 20% of their body weight. Most mice weigh about 30g so this is only 6g.

Mice teeth grow continuously and gnawing helps to wear the teeth down. Mice should be given items to gnaw, like commercially available wooden items and apple wood branches.

Respiratory disease is the most common health problem in mice. Your mouse may breathe with their mouth open, sneeze frequently or have laboured/wheezy breathing.

Mice can develop tumours as they get older in places like behind their back legs, on their necks, or mammary tumours. Some cancers are more serious than others so you should always get any lumps checked.

If you have any concerns about your mouse, please contact the surgery.

Mice are prey species and often don’t show early signs of being ill. If your mouse is not eating, drinking more or less than usual, losing or putting on weight, has diarrhoea, sneezing, wheezing or is breathing abnormally, has sunken eyes, is avoiding social interaction or any other concerns, please contact the surgery.