Plant-Based Foods:
* Seeds: Deer mice love seeds, especially those from grains like wheat, oats, and barley. They also enjoy seeds from wildflowers and trees.
* Fruits: They'll eat berries, nuts, and other fruits when available.
* Mushrooms: Some deer mice will eat mushrooms.
* Green vegetation: They may nibble on leaves, stems, and grasses.
Animal-Based Foods:
* Insects: These are a major part of their diet, including beetles, moths, caterpillars, and other insects.
* Small invertebrates: They may also eat spiders, earthworms, and other small creatures.
* Eggs: They'll eat bird eggs if they can find them.
* Carrion: They might scavenge on dead animals.
How they get food:
* Foraging: Deer mice are active at night and spend their time searching for food in fields, forests, and even homes.
* Storing: They'll hoard food for later use, often burying it in caches.
* Scavenging: Deer mice are opportunistic eaters and will scavenge on food scraps or leftovers.
Interesting facts:
* Deer mice have sensitive whiskers and excellent smell, helping them find food in the dark.
* Their sharp teeth are perfect for gnawing on seeds and other hard foods.
* They are very good at climbing and can access food in high places.
Overall, deer mice are adaptable eaters and will take advantage of whatever food sources are available to them.