Have you ever had a small pet?
If you haven’t, consider a pet mouse. On the average a mouse measures three inches and weighs about one ounce. Mice usually live from one to three years. They are curious, fancy and lovely pets that are quite active at daytime. But they are fragile and if you have children, don’t let them play rough with them.
Housing
Mice are social and will make good companions. Now consider the following — if you’re going to keep two male mice together, introduce them to each other at a young age as the adult ones may fight. Don’t keep a male and female together if you don’t want to have a mice-filled house. Mice breed very frequently.
Keep your pet mouse in a 10 gallon aquarium with a wire cover or in a wire cage. Just make sure that your mouse won’t be able to sneak out of the cage. Put paper shavings and an exercise wheel in the cage as mice simply adore running. Make sure the wheel is not padded so your pet won’t get hurt.
Diet
Mice need protein and fiber. Start with carrots, peas, fruits and vegetables. Then pay attention to what your mouse enjoys eating most. Just remember do not give too much of anything. Many people think it’s good to give a mouse corn, candy, onions, chocolate, cabbage and uncooked beans–never give them such food. Also make sure their water is always clean.
Care
It’s obvious that you should clean the mouse cage–change the bedding often. Male mice have a more pronounced odor than females, so if you keep a male mouse, you will have to clean the cage more frequently. Give your mouse small wood pieces or chew toys to gnaw on–they’re good for the teeth.
Mice are very good jumpers and if you want to take your pet mouse in your hands, you need to tame it beforehand. So how should you do it? Feed him in your hands and soon he’ll get used to it. Mice also get used to voice soon, so talk to them.
Veterinary care
If your mouse starts sneezing and coughing and you notice weight loss, take him immediately to a vet. These may be signs of disease. The most common problem in mice is that they are susceptible to parasites such as lice. So make sure your pet is healthy.
Photo © Vivatier
No related posts.