Which rodent is right for me?
Before buying a rodent, it is important to consider whether and which rodent suits you.
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Mouse
The mouse is a small rodent that originally lived on steppes and plains in warm regions. Thanks to its great adaptability, it can now be found in many places around the world. Mice naturally live in groups and communicate a great deal with each other through scent, sound and body language. They are active and curious little animals that are especially active at dusk and during the night. This is when you will see them climbing, running, building nests, foraging and grooming one another. During the day, they usually sleep or rest. Because mice are social animals, they are happiest as pets when kept with companions of their own kind. The fancy mouse in particular has been kept as a pet for a long time. Because of their lively behaviour, mice are interesting animals to observe.
Characteristics
Country of origin:
Asia
Also known as:
House mouse, fancy mouse, tame house mouse
Body build:
Small, light and agile body with a pointed snout, round ears and a long tail.
Colours and coat types:
Mice occur in different colours and markings. The fancy mouse is known as a pet in many colour varieties.
Weight:
12 - 30 g
Life Expectancy:
Average 2 - 3 years
Health risks:
Respiratory problems, skin problems, fungal infections, tumours (lumps) and stress caused by an unsuitable living environment.
Character profile
Gentle
Social
Affectionate
Friendly with children
Active at night
Sensitive to stress
Need for exercise
Ease of care
Popular products for the Mouse
Origin of the Mouse
The mouse originally lives on steppes and plains in warm regions. Thanks to its great adaptability, this little animal has spread over a large part of the world over time. Many mouse species are named after their habitat, such as the desert mouse, field mouse and house mouse. The species most commonly kept as a pet is the fancy mouse, also known as the tame house mouse.
In the wild, mice live in family groups with a clear hierarchy. They use tunnels, nesting places and safe shelter routes. Even as pets, mice still show much of this natural behaviour. They build nests, seek shelter, create fixed routes through their enclosure and need contact with companions of their own kind.
Character of the mouse
Mice are known as active, intelligent and social animals. They are curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings. In a well-designed enclosure, they show a lot of natural behaviour, such as climbing, running, digging, foraging, nesting and washing one another. They also communicate with each other through scent, sound and body language.
Although mice are lively and adventurous, they remain prey animals. Because of this, they can be startled by sudden movements or loud noises. During the day they usually sleep or rest, while in the evening and at night they become active. With patience and a calm approach, many mice can get used to their carer and recognise them by scent and voice.
Everything about the Mouse
What types of mice are there?
There are various types of mice, but not all types are kept as pets. The most common pet mouse is the fancy mouse. This species has been kept for a long time and comes in different colours and markings. Other mouse species are also kept, such as the African pygmy mouse, dormouse, spiny mouse and vole. These species differ from one another in size, behaviour and care.
What does a mouse eat?
A mouse naturally eats a varied diet. Its menu consists mainly of grains and seeds, supplemented with plant material and animal proteins, for example from insects. This nutritional need is also reflected in special mouse food. As a basis, you should give a complete mouse food, for example in the form of pellets or a mix. In addition, you can supplement the diet with small amounts of herbs, seeds or snacks. Because mice are small animals, small portions are often already enough. Fresh drinking water must always be available.
Many mice enjoy being actively occupied with their food. By scattering part of the food around the enclosure, you encourage foraging behaviour and movement.
Which combination is most suitable for keeping mice together?
Mice are true group animals and feel happiest when they live together with companions of their own kind.
A group of females often lives together most steadily. Several males in one enclosure are more likely to lead to conflict. A neutered male in combination with several females can also work well in some cases. Regardless of the group composition, enough space is important, as well as several hiding places and multiple food and water points. This helps reduce tension and supports a stable group.
Does a mouse need toys?
Mice do not necessarily need toys like some other pets, but enrichment in the enclosure is important. This helps prevent boredom and encourages natural behaviour such as climbing, gnawing, nesting and exploring.
Tunnels, branches, houses and cardboard tubes are simple ways to make the enclosure more interesting. Nesting material is also important, because mice like to build their own nest. By changing something in the enclosure from time to time, the environment remains stimulating.
How old can a mouse get?
A mouse lives for an average of 2 to 3 years. This can vary depending on factors such as diet, care, living environment and inherited predisposition. A stable living environment, good hygiene and suitable food contribute to the health of the mouse. Because mice do not always show health problems clearly, it is important to pay attention to their behaviour and condition every day.
Does a mouse need a lot of attention?
Mice do need attention, but in a different way from dogs or cats, for example. They are social animals that feel happiest with companions of their own kind and in a well-designed enclosure.
Daily care, cleaning the enclosure and observing behaviour are all part of keeping mice. Many mice learn to recognise their carer and respond to sounds and scents.
How do you tame a mouse?
Taming mice takes time and patience. Young mice usually get used to people more easily than older animals. By handling them calmly and regularly offering something tasty from your hand, mice can build trust.
It is important not to pick mice up suddenly. Instead, let them make contact themselves or step into a hand or tube. With a calm approach, many mice can get used to their carer.
Housing and care of the Mouse
Mice need a spacious and secure enclosure in which they can move around, climb, hide and nest. An enclosure with enough floor space and opportunities for height suits their behaviour best. You can choose a cage with narrow bar spacing or a more enclosed habitat, as long as there is enough ventilation and escape is not possible. Mice are small and agile and can squeeze through small openings. That is why a properly enclosed habitat is important. Place the enclosure in a quiet spot, away from draughts, direct sunlight and large temperature fluctuations.
As bedding, mice need soft and absorbent material, such as hemp bedding or flax. A thicker layer makes digging and nest building possible. Mice also need nesting material, hiding places and houses where they can retreat. Tunnels and climbing opportunities also suit their natural behaviour well. To keep the water clean, a drinking bottle can be used. The enclosure should be cleaned regularly. Because mice use scent to recognise their surroundings, it can help to leave a small amount of the old bedding in place when cleaning out the enclosure.
Care
Good daily care helps keep a mouse healthy and comfortable.
Good care includes:
- Unlimited access to fresh drinking water
- A complete mouse food in the right quantity
- Clean, low-dust bedding
- Enough nesting material and hiding places
- A spacious, well-ventilated and secure enclosure
- Regular cleaning of the enclosure
- Daily checks of behaviour and health
By giving attention to these points every day, the living environment stays clean and changes in behaviour or health can be noticed in time.
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