Mice Can Make Very Pleasant Pets

Are you considering getting a new pet? If you want something small, you may consider a mouse. These little critters tend to have a less-than-impeccable rep, but they actually make quite pleasant pets. Once you have one, you realize just how cute and friendly they truly are. And even though they do make such wonderful companions, they're still a few steps down the commitment ladder from animals such as dogs and cats; fairly low maintenance and fun to play with!

Mice are nearsighted and timid, but once a mouse gets to know you, it may crawl up your arm and fall asleep in the nape of your neck. These cute creatures come in different colors such as black, brown, white, or spotted varieties. They are nocturnal, so that is important to considering if a potential cage-romping animal will keep you up at night. That said, they love to explore, and they may feel the need to jump, run, and climb.

The cage, be it an aquarium with a secure cover or a rodent cage from a pet store, should be at least 8x10x6 inches. The larger the better, though, because this provides the mouse with plenty of space for daily activities as well as special areas for feeding, sleeping, and watering.

Mice live about three years. A couple can produce up to 17 litters a year, with from 6 to 12 young in each litter. Blind and naked at birth, these babies are weaned at 3 weeks of age and are ready to do their own breeding by 3 months. Obviously, if you don't want a whole mess of mice running about, buy a pair of females. Be aware that a pair of males will fight. Be sure to ask the pet store worker, who can identify the sex for you.

A mouse typically eats a teaspoonful of food each day. This can include seeds, bird grain, nuts, dry dog food, bits of brown bread, green vegetables, and fresh fruit. If this doesn't suit you, you can buy packs of commercial pellets from the pet store. Change your mouse's water weekly or more.

As far as defecation, a mouse will usually do the deed in the same spot. You can put a disposable aluminum pie plate filled with kitty litter or sand in that spot if you choose. To cut down on odor, try to clean the plate every two days or so.