A mouse in the house?

Mouse Facts

1. If you measure a mouse’s brain in comparison to its body weight then it is bigger than a human’s brain!
   
2. Mice are mainly nocturnal which means they spend most of their time sleeping during the day and are awake at night.
   
3. It is better to keep boys and girls separately to avoid them breeding and you ending up with lots and lots of mice.  Groups of girls can live together in groups but males kept together will sometimes fight.
   
4. Most mice live for an average of 18 to 24 months.

A house for your mouse

Your mouse will need a safe cage that it can’t escape from itself.  Plastic ones are the best because your mouse can’t gnaw its way out and they’re easy to keep clean.

You’ll need to put plenty of bedding which absorbs moisture in your mouse’s cage to keep him or her nice and comfy and clean.

Your mouse will also need a water bottle to drink from and a little bowl to put their food in along with any toys you choose for them to keep them busy.

Holding and stroking your mouse

When you first get your mouse he or she might be a bit scared of you because you’re so big compared to them!  So it’s important to give your new pet time to settle in and get used to you.

You can encourage your mouse to walk into your cupped hands and that’s the best way to pick it up to stroke it.  Try not to move your hands too quickly so you don’t frighten your mouse.  A frightened mouse will sometimes bite so it is important to be careful.

 
Most vets and nurses will hold your mouse by the scruff of the neck and the bottom of their tail so that they can better examine them and give any medications.

What should I feed my mouse?

You can buy a complete mouse food from the pet shop for your pet mice and they will also like fruit and vegetables.
Your mouse will need access to clean fresh water at all times.

Any more mouse questions?

Just ask the team at your local Vets4Pets practice and they will be happy to help.