16 Things You Should Know BEFORE Getting a Mouse
Mice can be great pets. They have great personalities and can be quite fun. However mice might not be the best pet for every one. Read through these 16 things to get a general idea of what you may be in for with mice.
*This is not meant to be a full care guide, this article just goes through a few of the most important things you should know. If you plan on getting mice, make sure you do your own research so that you know what you’re doing.
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1. Mice have very short lifespans
Mice have one of the shortest lifespans of domesticated rodents. On average, they live for about 1-2 years with some living longer and some not even making it there. You are going to have to consider this and decide if you can cope with a pet that has such a short lifespan.
2. They are very fragile
Because of the fact that these small animals are very delicate and fragile, they are not a good option for young children. Their small size, speed, and instinct to climb can make them even more difficult and they can get seriously injured or even die if dropped.
Image Credit= PetMD
3. Mice are very active and nocturnal
Mice are very active animals. If you are looking for a pet to cuddle with, mice might not be the right choice for you. Another thing to consider is the fact that they are most active during the evenings and are awake during the night. You will need to figure out if this will fit into your specific lifestyle.
4. They can be noisy
Mice can be be a bit noisy at times, especially if they are running on their wheel, which you must provide. If you are thinking about keeping them in your room, you will need to think about the this, especially if you tend to be a light sleeper.
5. Mice have sensitive respiratory systems
Mice can develop respiratory issues so it’s important to be cautious about what bedding you give them. Different people have different preferences about which bedding they like to use but all that really matters is that it’s safe and not dusty. Pine and cedar are two examples of not-so-safe bedding.
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6. Females are prone to tumours
Females specifically are prone to getting tumours. This doesn’t mean that your mouse will for sure develop one but it is common. It’s a good idea to have some money put aside in the case of a tumour, as the veterinary costs can get very expensive.
8. Most males can’t live together
It’s recommended not house two males together because male mice can get very territorial. This doesn’t mean that all male mice will get territorial as there have been male pairs that have gotten along. The most likely reason for this is that they are either siblings or they have a large enough cage that they do not become territorial. If your do house them together, it’s a good idea to have a spare cage in case they start fighting and your have to separate them.
9. Females should be kept together in groups
Mice are pretty sociable animals. Females should be kept in groups of about 2-3 as they aren’t as territorial as males so it is more unlikely that they will fight.
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10. Torpor
Mice can sometimes enter a stage called torpor. Torpor is pretty similar to hibernation. It is basically where your mouse lethargic in a corner of their cage. This can be caused by a couple of reasons, a lack of food/water or a drop in temperature. If you find your mouse like this you are going to want to get them as warm as possible. The easiest way to do this is to hold them up against yourself so that you are using your own body warmth to warm them up. Another thing you’ll want to do is get some liquid in them, which is why you should have a syringe somewhere in the house.
- PERFECT FOR BABY PETS: The Lixit hand feeding syringes are the perfect tool to help baby birds and small animals when they are not eating. If your baby pet is suffering from decreased appetite or Illness this syringe can help safely and comfortably administer food.
- COMPLETE NURSING KIT: The Lixit hand feeding pet nursing kit is the perfect set of tools to care for baby pets that needs help feeding. It features a 10ml syringe, and a 3ML dropper.
- FOOD AND MEDICINE: The syringe is designed for both liquid and paste. It can be used to administer food or medicine.
11. Males smell more than females
If you are planning on getting a male mouse, be ready for the smell. Males smell more because they do something called scent marking. This is basically when they urinate to mark their territory and advertise their dominance. Males tend to do this a lot more than females because they are more territorial. The smell can be described as musky, however not everyone minds the smell. Do NOT put any candles or air fresheners in the room as it can affect their respiratory system.
12. Don’t pick them up by the tail
When handling your mouse be careful about their tail. If you grab them by the tip of their tail it can actually break off and cause them unnecessary harm. In a situation where your mouse is in danger and there is no other way to pick them up the base of the tail is the safest option.
Image credit= Smithsonian Magazine
13. They need an appropriately sized cage
Even though mice are small, that is no excuse for a cramped cage. Mice are very active so they need space to run around and play. Keep in mind that a male mouse will need about the same sized cage as a group of females because they are still super active. The minimum cage size requirements differ slightly depending on where you live but the requirement is about 60 x 40 cms.
Bar Spacing
The bar spacing should be 1cm or less, nothing bigger. Mice are very good at squeezing through small spaces.
14. Mice should have a large non-wire wheel
You should have a wheel in your mouse cage. It’s important to get a wheel big enough so that they don’t end up arching their backs. Arching on wheels can eventually lead to back/spine problems and can cause discomfort. Try to steer clear from wire wheels as they can lead to an injured or caught tail/limbs.
15. Handling can get messy
When handling mice, be prepared to get little mouse turds and urine on you. Some mice may not do it as much once they get to know you, but it doesn’t apply to everyone. If this isn’t something you’re comfortable with, mice may not be the best choice unless you can come up with a safe solution.
16. Mice are intelligent and trainable
Even though mice are small, that doesn’t mean they aren’t intelligent. You can train your mice to do a few things such as using a litter tray and simple tricks.
Hopefully these points have helped you get an idea on what to expect when getting mice. If you don’t feel like a mouse is right for you, don’t worry! There are plenty of pets to choose from. Consider reading our article called: Which Pet is Best for You? Answer These Questions Before You Buy
