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They may be little, but mice pack a lot of charm into their 3 1/2 or so
inches. If you're interested in bringing one or more of these fun loving,
friendly critters into your home, read on to find out what you can expect.
Which Pet Mouse Is Suitable for Me?
First off, you should understand that the mice you might see in a field or
in an attic do not belong to the same species as mice kept as companion
animals. Pet mice have been bred for centuries, in a variety of colors from
white and black to silver and sable. Mice bred for show are larger and have
more prominent eyes and ears than mice you'd find at a pet store. If much
loved and well cared for, the average mouse has a lifespan of one to three
years.
Mice generally won't bite unless scared or hurt, and your domestic pet can
readily be hand-tamed. All it takes is a little patience and
persistence--and a bit of bribing with favorite treats--and you'll have a
trusting, loving companion in no time. It's important to be able to
comfortably handle your pet. Not only will it strengthen the bond between
you, it will be easier for you when cleaning the cage and giving your pet a
weekly health check. Read our HANDLING section for tips.
Facts on Mice – Socialization
Mice are social animals, and will get lonely without friends of their own
kind or interaction with their human caretakers. It's smart to get at least
a pair, so they can keep each other company if you will be away most of the
day. Same-sex siblings are preferred, especially if you get them when they
are young. Adult males tend to fight with each other, so first-time
mousekeepers are advised to start out with female pairs. It's not
recommended that you keep males and females together, as they will
mate...and mate!
No matter how many mice you keep, you'll need to provide them with
entertainment. Mice are bright and need to be mentally stimulated with a
variety of toys. Ladders for climbing, boxes for hiding, PVC pipes for
tunneling and an exercise wheel for running are much appreciated. Simple
cardboard toilet paper tubes and egg cartons make great (and cheap!)
playthings, too.
More Facts on Mice - Cleanliness
You may have heard that mice are dirty, but did you know that your pet will
groom himself from head to tail several times a day? Of course, he can't
clean his own home, though--and that's where you come in. Living in an
unclean environment can make a mouse susceptible to a variety of illnesses,
from respiratory problems to skin conditions. As a responsible caretaker,
you'll need to remove soiled bedding, uneaten food and droppings every day,
change the bedding at least twice weekly and wash the cage with hot, soapy
water once a week. And mice tend to urinate in their food dishes, which
will need to be disinfected daily.
Has this furry guy met your criteria so far? A mouse may be right for you,
but not for your family. It's especially great if everyone is involved in
the decision-making and caretaking. Small children may love a mouse, but
may want to show their love by squeezing or otherwise mishandling him. Only
individuals who have mastered the proper mouse handling techniques should
be allowed to do so.
If you're all set to bring a mouse home, we recommend getting yours from a
reputable breeder or, best of all, adopting one from a shelter or
small-animal rescue group. Search on sites like www.petfinder.com for mice
looking for a second chance at a good life.
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