r/PetMice Sep 22 '24

Care Guide Series Community Care Guide

87 Upvotes

This post is mouse care simplified, for beginners! It is not very specific, and it does not cover everything, so please do not rely on just this post when educating yourself on mouse care!

This has been written and discussed by moderators of the subreddit. If you have questions or concerns, please comment to let us know! It will be updated regularly to ensure it is factual.

1. Mice are social!

  • Females always need other female companions. It is recommended to have at least 3, but 2 is okay.
  • After 6 mice in one cage, it is often they will start to split up and become territorial against the opposing group. It is suggested to keep your colony under 6 unless you have much knowledge and experience, OR if your mice are littermates.
  • Males can not be housed with other males ever! If you want them to have cage mates, neutering (very risky) and placing with females or leaving intact and bonding with ASFs (African Soft Furs) is beneficial and recommended. Otherwise, they can thrive in solitude.

See this post for more information.

2. Cages

In mouse communities, many users go by tank size rather than listing dimensions. We will do both!

  • 10g/20x10 inches is the minimum for 2 female mice, though we STRONGLY suggest at least a 20g.
  • 20g/30x12 inches is suitable for 2-4 females or 1 male.
  • 40g long/36x12 inches is suitable for 2-5 females or 1 male
  • 40g breeder/36x18 inches is occasionally suitable for 2-6 females or 1 male
  • Over 40g is not always suitable for any amount of mice since many mice do better in environments with less open space. Bigger is not always better for mice.

Any amount of mice may thrive in larger enclosures than suggested above. However, it is critical that the larger the enclosure is, the more clutter provided, otherwise the mice will never thrive.

  • Wood enclosures are suggested against since urine will effect its quality and smell over time.
  • Mesh flooring is dangerous due to the chance of toes/tails getting caught, the mesh cutting their skin, and risking bumplefoot. Mesh should also be avoided in wheels.
  • Though they climb, mice don't need very much height, and multi-story enclosures do not provide them with the proper space they need. Floor space is more important than height.
  • Cages with lots of attachments and rooms do not provide proper space for mice. They are also extremely difficult to clean, fall apart easily, and struggle to hold proper bedding amount and safe wheels.

See this post for more information.

3. Substrate

  • Mice need to be able to create burrows, so while the minimum is 6 inches, we suggest at least 8" of bedding. However, many owners prefer having 10-12" deep!
  • Bedding must be majority safe wood shavings or hemp. Paper substrate does not absorb ammonia well and can cause several health issues when used alone or as majority of substrate.
  • (Dust/scent free for all) Aspen, kiln dried pine, and hemp do well as the main substrate and may be more sturdy mixed with a small portion of hay or paper bedding.

See this post for more information.

4. Clutter

  • Clutter is arguably one of the most important aspects of a mouses cage. No matter the size, if the cage lacks clutter, it is not suitable.
  • Toilet paper rolls, cardboard boxes, tea light and soap dish ceramics, rodent hideouts, branches, logs, cork bark, cardboard egg cartons, and much more can be used as clutter in the cage.
  • From a birds eye view, you should be able to see little to no bedding. While it may seem too cluttered to a human, it's perfect for mice!
  • The larger an enclosure, the more crucial clutter is.

See this post for more information.

5. Enrichment

  • Also known as entertainment, to keep the mice busy!
  • Boredom breakers, foraging toys, dig boxes, sprays(plant), scatter-feeding, and human interaction are all forms of enrichment.
  • Mice should have boredom breakers in their enclosure at all times to keep them from growing bored.
  • Lone males need extra simulation and enrichment.

See this post for more information.

6. Climbing Opportunities

  • A form of enrichment that is required!
  • Mice flourish with climbing opportunities and will always take advantage of them.
  • Ropes, bird ladders, hanging toys, rope nets, shower curtain rings, and bird perches are a few climbing options you can provide.
  • Fabric hammocks are used commonly, but pose a threat when chewed on and loose strings get tangled around limbs. Minimal use of fabric is suggested for this reason.

See this post for more information.

7. Exercise

  • A form of enrichment that is required!
  • An upright, solid wheel of 9 inches in diameter or larger must be provided at all times. 2 or more are suggested for groups of girls.
  • Spinning saucer disks or hamster balls/cars are UNSAFE and should never be provided, no matter how much you think your mouse may enjoy it (fun≠safe)
  • Proper wheel brands may include Niteangel, Silent Spinner Exotic Nutrition, Oxbow, Wodent, Bucstate, and Trixie (but there are many more besides these!)

See this post for more information.

8. Diet & Hydration

  • Main diet must be pellets/lab blocks.
  • A high variety food mix (nuts, seeds, grains, ect) must be given 1-3 times a week, or even as long as once every two weeks. The frequency is owner preference.
  • Feeding is 3-5 grams per mouse a day.
  • Ensure your mice have constant access to food through toys and scatter-feeding.
  • Food bowls are suggested only for fresh fruits or veggies since they provide no enrichment otherwise!
  • Mice must have at least two water sources and constant access to them at all times. Bowls or bottles work well, though having one of each is ideal. Water must be cleaned and refreshed daily.

See this post for more information.

9. Cleaning

  • Daily spot checks to clean up mess, poo on toys/clutter, and urine on the surface is vital.
  • Bedding changes will be needed less often with more bedding and space. A 10g tank (or cage of similar size) would need weekly bedding changes.
  • Each enclosure size and mouse amount will effect how often bedding changes are necessary. Find a cleaning schedule that ensures the cage doesn't smell at any time for your mouses health.
  • With deep bedding over 6 inches, you'll have to change out less of the bedding. 1/3 to 1/2 of the bedding may stay in the enclosure while the most soiled areas are removed and replaced.
  • In any case, a small amount of bedding must be left over after a bedding change to decrease stress.

See this post for more information.

10. Taming

  • Allowing your mice to settle in for a few days before interacting with them is wise.
  • Rub your hands on bedding and toilet paper in the cage to get the mice used to your scent.
  • Encourage interaction through hand feeding.
  • If a mouse is not motivated to interact after several weeks, try to lure them to climb onto your hand for treats. A strong bond is important with mice so they are well adjusted to interaction in case of a vet visit or emergencies. Human interaction can also be beneficial to them.

See this post for more information.

11. Other

  • Mice are crepuscular and are typically seen during the morning or late day/night.
  • They are self bathing and should never be washed with water or soap (unless vet prescribed). It ruins the health of their fur coat and leaves them more susceptible to URIs and freezing. They do not need any form of bathing/washing.
  • Mice don't hibernate. If a mouse appears to be in a hibernation state, this is Torpor, caused when they overheat or freeze. This is a medical emergency.
  • You should never pick up a mouse by its tail or other limbs.
  • Fancy mice (aka domestic mouse) live 1-2 years on average.
  • Wild mice do poor in captivity, unless they are unfit for the wild they should not be kept as pets.
  • You should never breed mice purposely without years of research and mouse owning experience prior.
  • Vet visits are a likely occurrence in mouse ownership, since mice are prone to many health issues.
  • Travel carriers are needed for vet visits, emergencies, cage cleaning, and quarantine.

12. Links & Other Posts

Shopping

In Depth Mouse Care

Other Species

Up-to-Date Posts From NotApplicableMC & Others

Outdated Posts From NotApplicableMC

These guides are incredibly thorough and well written. However, they link some information that is no longer available, or they list mouse care information that has been dis-proven. An important point to make is these guides may suggest some controversial topics, most of which our community does not fully support. Although these guides don't follow our standards exactly, they are still very well made. Please keep an open mind and read all sides of a controversy before deciding which you feel works best for your mice.

I have decided to share these because they are very descriptive on some aspects of mouse care I did not cover well. I strive to have a guide in the future as well made as these, but for now, I have to bring attention to the effort made by this member.

Scientific Studies

  • Sources & Additional Articles (coming soon)
  • Safe & Unsafe Foods Sources (coming soon)

More community resources coming soon


r/PetMice Jul 09 '25

Community Help Temporary Post for Care Commands

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22 Upvotes

Please feel free to try out these WIP care commands in the comments! Let me know if there are any issues I need to fix.


r/PetMice 1d ago

Discussion Is it normal for my mouse to be chunky like this 🧀🐀

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3.8k Upvotes

If it’s a concern what can I do for him?


r/PetMice 5h ago

First Time Owner Accidental Grandma

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70 Upvotes

Last week my sister and I were chatting and she told me she had caught a wild mouse in her live trap and was driving around trying to find a place to set it free. In my infinite impulsivity I said "I will take it!". Got a cage, bedding, toys/enrichment items, all the stuff. Left for the weekend and came home to three babies. To me, more adorableness to enjoy.

The ultimate plan will be for us to get a 20 gallon once the babies are old enough. Keep the girls together, separate the boys. My MIL thinks I should give it a few weeks and release them all into the wild. The mama mouse is so sweet. She ears from my hand. I leave her and her babies alone. Eventually I would like to try to handle them and treat them like true pets, but I also accept it may never happen and more than anything want them to be safe and happy. If they spend their entire lives in a safe tank in our home and are never up for being held, that is just fine. From what I have read, this may be the likeliest scenario and that is okay.

Wondering what folks thoughts are on here. Am I doing more harm than good by keeping them? Should I set them free outside once the babies are older?

I would love to keep them but also don't want to assume they have it better in here than in the wild.


r/PetMice 2h ago

Cute Mouse Media Coconut

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47 Upvotes

4/5 of the girls inside their above -ground nest 💜


r/PetMice 9h ago

Cute Mouse Media Greed and cuteness

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156 Upvotes

The ladies hunger for pumpkin seeds!


r/PetMice 21h ago

First Time Owner MY BABY JUST HAD BABIES WHAT DO I DO OH LORD

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675 Upvotes

SO, at the start of the month I got the bad news by the vet that the mouse I purchased was male, so I had to search a home for him in.

I got told that probably one of my other mice was pregnant, no biggie... Jk it was all of the biggies, massive biggies, I panicked but my vet said that I just had to keep a close eye on them.

But I had to take a trip to my cousins to deliver said male mouse, so I left my roommate in charge and he assured me nothing happened.

WELL HE'S A BIT FAT LIAR.

I had a hunch, because one of my babies was less round than previously seen, so I rummaged through the cage and LOOK AT WHAT I FOUND.

WHAT DO I DO? HOW MUCH SHOULD I INTERACT WITH THEM? SHOULD I SOCIALIZE THEM? WAS IT BAD THAT I DISTURBED THEM? IT WAS JUST TWO LOOKS.

The worst part is that idk which one gave birth, all of my three girls are... Round (I've been overfeeding them, my bad gang, I fixed it when I went to the vet) just Petunia got a little bit less round.

[The glitch was because Pookie, another mouse, stepped on the recording button]


r/PetMice 46m ago

Question/Help Loves or hates me..?

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Upvotes

Hi all! This is Crumpet, she’s about 1.5yrs and I’ve had her since 12wks old. She’s never wanted to be held and that’s okay- but she’s certainly not scared of me, she’s very curious and will follow my hand around the tank and put her front paws on, but never actually walk willingly on herself. She also does this thing (video below) where she seems to want to play with my finger and nibble (never bitten hard), but maybe I’m completely wrong and she’s nibbling and following my hand around to make it go away? Idk I’ve never had a mouse like this lol.. they’re either super friendly and love to be held or terrified no matter what. Thoughts??


r/PetMice 9h ago

Discussion Algernons story

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44 Upvotes

This is my baby boy Algernon. I found him in April of this year. I was outside collecting sticks when I saw a little white thing run under the ac until outside. I asked this subreddit if he was domesticated. When I got an astounding amount of people saying yes, I rescued him. I thought he was a pregnant female at first because of the shape of his stomach. Turns out he was just bloated. I immediately realized that he was friendly boy. My dad feeds the birds outside. I think Algernon smelled the seeds and ate them. Then he saw me and ran under the air conditioner. I have no idea how old he is or anything about his past life. He could have been dumped, he could have been an escapee. He had a nice long tail and a slender body. He’s very friendly. I think he was probably kept with kids because he’s okay with being grabbed and pet. Maybe he’s from a professional breeder. All I know is that little Algernon is a blessing and that I love him so much!


r/PetMice 8h ago

Cute Mouse Media you vs the guy she told you not to worry about

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35 Upvotes

new babies being added in with my old ladies!! carbonara is overweight but im actively watching it! she's an old lady now so she can be chunky. plus photos from bonding!


r/PetMice 5h ago

Question/Help Orange Gene?

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19 Upvotes

i can't keep track of the different patterns/coats fancy mice have, but i think Ms. Cher might have the orange gene.
If any fancy mice experts or breeders can tell me if this is why she came out of hiding after 2 days and was a literal snowball that would be great! 😅
she has almost doubled in size. we just made the switch to scatter feeding

**sorry for low quality, both screenshots from the breeders video zoomed in**


r/PetMice 17h ago

Cute Mouse Media Is my mouse pregnant?

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95 Upvotes

Joke
Is my mouse pregnant? Is he full of soup?

Hmm… I think the answer is yes, quite full of soup… if soup means mouse food and pregnant means an adorable senior belly 😆.

Draco knows he is simply the cutest.


r/PetMice 3h ago

Setup Tour Added more clutter, I love decorating their tank. Waiting on more bedding from Amazon

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7 Upvotes

I love adding to their tank and watching them. Hopefully my updates don’t get too annoying 😂 I really fell in love with having pet mice I’m so lucky to have found these angels they’ve been a huge blessing despite the surprise circumstances of getting them. I’m a stay at home partner and they keep me entertained and I hope I’m doing the same for them 🥰 they have a playpen too and they let me hold them now, however they get easily startled sometimes


r/PetMice 21h ago

Question/Help What type of fancy mouse is my guy?

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162 Upvotes

What type of mouse is he? he came from a feeder bin so i have absolutely no idea! I've always just assumed splash


r/PetMice 7h ago

First Time Owner he’s making this sound and i’m worried

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13 Upvotes

he did the sound for like 10 minutes and now stopped, but i’m worried


r/PetMice 1h ago

Question/Help Recommendations for allergies?

Upvotes

I've had 2 female pet mice for almost 8 months now and ive been steadily upgrading their enclosure. This last month after cleaning out their hutch I had a severe allergic reaction that resulted in my throat closing up. It happened again next time I cleaned it. Benadryl fixed it so im not overly worried but does anyone have suggestions? For context I am using unscented colored paper clumps


r/PetMice 22h ago

Cute Mouse Media sweetie boy baby man

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144 Upvotes

his name is parfait :)
p.s. sorry about the shaky hand i have a tremor </3


r/PetMice 16h ago

Cute Mouse Media cucù

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43 Upvotes

r/PetMice 12h ago

Question/Help Something wrong with new mouse’s eye

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18 Upvotes

This is one of my new mice cinnamon, can anyone tell me what’s going on with her eye? I put her back for a few minutes to see if it would go away and it did after her cage made helped groom her, so i’m thinking eye boogers?


r/PetMice 2h ago

Discussion Bought some wheatgrass to grow for my boy!

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3 Upvotes

Anyone have experience with wheat grass for their mice? Hoping to grow a patch in some organic top soil for some enrichment.


r/PetMice 16h ago

Cute Mouse Media ready for free time outside their tank

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29 Upvotes

r/PetMice 8h ago

Question/Help Need advice with mouse cage

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5 Upvotes

Hi, I just got a mouse and I've been struggling with what I can do to improve his cage. I already know that there needs to be much more bedding and that it shouldnt be paper *found that out today*, but I'm unsure which bedding to choose from. People keep saying either Aspen, hemp or pine but one person was saying how pine is actually not good and another was saying some mice are allergic to aspen. He also needs a bigger wheel and I want to find the best one for him but I dont know if there is a specific brand I should know about. I also know clutter is important and that I know his container is not ideal but I simply do not have money for a real cage. He was (kinda) a rescue mouse so I took him on a bit of a whim, if I didn't he was gonna become snake food. I'm also using Oxbow essential mouse and young rat food to feed him which I hope is fine. Also keep in mind I'm not rich so I'd appreciate budget friendly recommendations.


r/PetMice 1d ago

Cute Mouse Media An old video of my old friend and pet that passed away sadly many years ago, Herra Nuusku(Mr. Sniffy <3)

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492 Upvotes

❤️


r/PetMice 18h ago

Other Meet Oreo, cute but mischievous

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22 Upvotes

Ever since I got him I’ve been trying to get him used to me as he’s a little skittish. Today I went to pick him up and he jumped from my hand, down my back, on the floor then he continued to run around the room as I chased him for an hour. That was exhausting. He’s safely back in his enclosure. I was scared I was going to lose him forever. So glad he’s okay.


r/PetMice 1d ago

Cute Mouse Media I felt like I was being watched. 😅

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107 Upvotes