Pet Mice: Small, Social and Busy
Company: Who Can Live Together
PDSA says female mice are usually happy to live together and will often accept new females. Males raised together can sometimes share, but adult males rarely accept a newcomer and can fight badly. A neutered male living with females is often a good option. Unneutered males and females together will breed fast.
Cage and Setup
PDSA recommends a barred cage with bars no more than 0.25 inch (6 mm) apart, multi-level with solid floors, rather than glass or plastic tanks, which can trap ammonia.
- Deep, dust-free bedding for digging and nesting; avoid wood shavings and sawdust.
- Ropes, ladders, tubes and platforms to climb and explore.
- Nest boxes and plain paper for nesting material.
- A solid wheel big enough to run without bending the back.
- About 64–72°F (18–22°C), away from drafts, sun and loud speakers.
When cleaning, keep a little dry, unsoiled old bedding so the cage still smells like home.
Setting Up for Pet Mice
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A barred, multi-level mouse cage with narrow bar spacing is the base. Deep, dust-free paper bedding and plain nesting paper cover digging and nesting. Ropes, ladders and wooden chews keep them busy, a solid wheel gives safe running, and a complete mouse pellet is the main food.
Diet
Complete mouse pellets are more balanced than seed mixes, because mice pick out the bits they like from mixes. Add small amounts of fresh vegetables and the odd treat, and scatter some food to forage. Fresh water every day.
Handling
Mice are prey animals, and being picked up can frighten them. Let them climb onto your hand, scoop gently with both hands, and keep them low over a table or your lap. Supervise children.
Health: Preventive Care
Find a vet who sees small rodents before you need one. Check your mice during handling for changes in weight, coat, breathing and lumps, and keep bedding dust-free and clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Company and lifespan come up most.
Can male mice live together?
Sometimes, if raised together, but adult males rarely accept newcomers and can fight. Females usually live happily in groups.
How long do pet mice live?
About one to three years.
What kind of cage do mice need?
A barred, multi-level cage with bars no more than 0.25 inch (6 mm) apart and solid floors, rather than a glass tank.
Do pet mice smell?
Males especially have a musky smell. Spot-clean often and keep bedding fresh, but keep a little old bedding so the cage still smells familiar.
What do pet mice eat?
Complete mouse pellets, with small amounts of fresh vegetables and occasional treats.
Related Reading
- Rats as pets: the bigger, very trainable cousin.
- Gerbils: busy burrowers.
- Small pet toys: chews, tunnels and wheels.
This page is general care information. If your mouse stops eating, breathes noisily or seems unwell, contact a vet who sees small rodents.