Care of Albino Mice

Color mutations happen readily in mice and have been recorded as far back as 80 B.C. Albinism is a genetic condition causing a lack of pigment in an animal's cells. Albino mice have white fur and lack color in their skin and eyes. The skin and eyes appear pink because blood vessels can be seen through their opaque tissues. A pet albino mouse needs the same type of daily care as a colored mouse, with the possible exception of precautions for skin and eye light sensitivity.

  1. Water

    • Since mice weight up to 1 ounce and only reach about 3.5 inches long, they do not require large amounts of food or water. Fresh water should be available to albino mice at all times. Water bottles work well for albino mice, but small, sturdy bowls can suffice. The mice may tend to fill their water bowls with bedding. You will need to check a water bottle daily for water flow because the sipper tube can become stuck or clogged.

    Food

    • You can provide commercial rodent blocks or pellets for a mouse's basic diet. The ASPCA recommends a formula containing 16 percent protein, 18 percent fiber and 4 percent, or less, of fat. You can also feed tiny bits of fresh fruits and vegetables. Salad greens, broccoli, apples and low-sugar cereals can be nutritious treats. Place foods and treats into a sturdy food bowl and remove all uneaten or stale foods daily.

    Environment

    • Aquariums work well for housing albino mice, but plastic containers can be used as well. Wire hamster cages are not recommended. One to four mice can be kept in a 10-gallon aquarium with a wire cover. Also, keep the housing away from drafts and away from bright lights or sunlight. Use about an inch of hardwood shavings, paper products or pelleted bedding for your albino mouse and clean its cage at least once a week. Do not use cedar or pine shavings. Additionally, your mouse will need a small sleeping box.

    Enrichment

    • Nesting materials, exercise wheels, chew toys and tunnels can enrich your albino mouse's environment. Nesting materials, such as napkins or hay, can be bought or made from existing household materials. Exercise wheels should be solid, not wired. A mouse can get its tail caught in a wired wheel. Since an albino mouse's teeth grow continuously, chew toys can help keep your mouse's teeth worn down. Rawhide sticks, hard dog biscuits and untreated wood can be good choices for healthy teeth.

    Handling

    • Handle your albino mouse with care. Talk softly to your mouse and give it small treats in its cage until it becomes familiar with your voice. Scoop a mouse into your hands or into a paper cup to remove it from its cage. Never grab a mouse by the end of its tail or a tail injury can occur. A mouse can be startled easily, so be aware of your surroundings at all times. Mice can run quickly and jump quite large distances.