Fancy Mice

Life Span 
Biggest drawback is their short lifespan. 1.5-2 years Is the average. Some have been known to live up to 3.


Habits
Mice are nocturnal and are most active at night. They are quite social and do best when in groups. Typically a pair of females is the easier grouping. However, larger groups will okay if provided with enough living space. It’s not recommended to house pairs of males unless are litter mates and have never been separated. Fighting is less likely if their housing is large. Avoid housing unfamiliar males together because they can and do fight sometimes even to the death. For obvious reasons males and females shouldn’t be housed together. They can produce a lot of offspring quickly.


Choosing Healthy Mice 
The most important thing to keep in mind especially when purchasing your mice from a pet store would be the health. Look got active bright mice that have clean ears, eyes, tails, and coats. Their tails and ears should have a clean pink hue. Their nose and eyes should have no discharge. Mouths and the anal section should also be clean and dry. It’s normal for their breathing to be somewhat fast but it should never be labored, raspy, or noisy.

Also be sure to check their surroundings. The cage should be cleaned and the mice within it should show they’re well cared for. Any waste should be dropping in a somewhat formed shape nothing runny or gooey looking.

Another thing you want to make sure that if they do sell both genders they’re separated. Good pet stores and breeders will be sure to do this. Like many rodents they can and do reproduce at a very young age. It’s not unheard of and quite typical for the, to already begin breeding at 6-8 weeks old. This should be avoided because it’s very stressful for the young female.

Mice are fully weaned around four weeks of age. They do benefit from being with their littermates for another week. After all having to leave their mom, home, and siblings all at the same time can be stressful on these little critters. If it can be avoided they shouldn’t leave their family before they’re five weeks. Too young and they can be quite skittish, jumpy, and prove harder to socialize.


Sexing
You want to make sure you’re getting mice of the same sex. They can produce large litters in a short period of time. In just three weeks babies are born. If you’re not careful you could easily be overrun with more babies then you know what to do with. Then your cute little easy mice can become difficult problem.

Telling the difference between the genders is not difficult on mice. It doesn’t take long for the obvious features to show. You simply need to check under their tails. The distance between the anal and genital opening is shorter on females then males. The younger they are the harder it may prove to be if you don’t have both genders to compare. Once they’re older and definitely once they’ve hit the 6-8 week the male’s “equipment” is very easy to see. Also another good tip to remember is females have nipples and the males don’t.


Gender Behavior 
Males tend to be more cuddly and friendly. Males are much harder to house together.


Females are typically more active. More females can live together. It’s good to have at least two together.


Handling
Pick them up near the base of the tail supporting their little bodies. Never grab them their tails as that can cause injury. Mice will try to escape if they’re being grabbed. Careful not to squeeze to tight as you may crush them by accident. Frightened mice may use teeth in self defense so always be aware of that.

Until they’re used to it try using something else to scoop them up in. Then you can gently slide the mouse into your hand that way. Remember because of their small build children should be supervised at all times during any handling.


Housing
There’s a few options. Each have their own pros and cons. Remember no matter what is used mice are small and can easily squeeze out of small spaces. They can also chew their way to freedom as well.  Whatever you choose to house your rodents in you will need to take these things into consideration. Also be sure to use a secure screened lid for anything that isn’t already a cage type material. You want the mice to be able to get enough ventilation.

Many use simple 10 gallon tanks which are suitable for up to three mice. As with any type of housing the larger the better. If you have the ability to go bigger it’d only benefit your mice.

Other housing options: bird or small rodent cages with wire spacing no larger then ¼, wood boxes, plastic bins.

Bedding and Nesting
It’s important to never use synthetic fiber or cotton bedding. Mice have been known to eat it or even get tangled in it causing death. Also never use cedar shavings since it can and does cause breathing issues as well as burns. Many also discourage against pine shavings because breathing issues can come up with this product as well.

The best thing to do is try a variety of beddings to see what works for you and your mice. Another good tip would be not to buy in large quantities until you know what works best.


Aspen - Used by most. However, it’s been known to cause more allergies then other wood beddings.


Care fresh - Safe. However, sometimes this bedding can be very dusty.


Timothy Hay- Helps odor. The mice enjoy nesting in it. However, it can carry parasites such as lice or mites. It’s recommended that you freeze or bake it before using so that any parasites are killed.


Treated Pine - As mentioned above it’s not usually recommended. However, it is the most common type of bedding used.


Other - Paper towels, newspaper, cloth. Each has their pros and cons and it’s recommended to research anything you choose to try.


Other Cage Supplies
Your new little friend(s) will want something to play with. This is where the fun part comes. Get creative. Though the pet stores are filled with toys you don’t have to spend any extra money. Simple things around the house make the best types of toys. Cardboard paper towel or toilet paper rolls, Cardboard boxes, little containers (be warned they will be chewed), piece of safe wood or wooden blocks, bird toys, rodent wheel, little plant pots or other random dishes. Ladders, swings, teeter-totters, and other devices to climb on can also be made or bought. Be sure they have a rodent wheel as many love to entertain themselves for hours. Also some place to nap filled with a safe nesting material such as hay is ideal.

Don’t forget water bottle and food dishes that can endure mice chewing.


Feeding
Mice are omnivores and will eat just about anything. Their staple diet is usually oats of some kind. Other types of food people often use: nuts, seeds, dry bread, dog food, dog biscuits, bones, millet, maize, cream crackers, cooked or uncooked pasta, root vegetables, breakfast cereals, mouse diet, meat, fish, fruits, greens (though too much can cause runny stool)

Despite their size mice do consume quite a lot of food. Be sure to always check that they have plenty of food. Water should also be checked and changed often.


Cleaning
To avoid odor they should be cleaned at least a couple times a week. Left too long between cleaning and ammonia builds up causing health issues. Be sure to use a mild cleanser, completely rinse so there’s no residue or fumes, and dry completely before the mice are put back. Don’t forget to clean any toys, dishes, water bottles, and other cage items as well as the cage.


Health
Typically they are hard animals not prone to a lot of health issues. Though they are susceptible to many of the same ailments other small rodents have. Usually by the time symptoms are seen it may be too late. It’s important to seek help quickly if you suspect something is wrong.



Note - There’s many opinions, conflicting information, and care sheets out there for the way to care for Mice. As with any animal it’s important to always do your research. Be sure to check out many sources.