What Do Feeder Mice Eat?

Feeder mice are rodents that are fed to snakes, large lizards and mammals as part of the bigger animals' diets. Though these mice may be separated from pet mice in the pet store, there is no substantial biological difference between the two. Mice are frequently chosen as feeder mice if they have plain colors or if they are not bred by a reputable breeder. These mice require the same care as other mice. Even if a mouse's ultimate fate is to be fed to another animal, it's cruel to provide these animals with an improper diet.



Most reptile veterinarians recommend that reptiles be fed pre-killed food. Both reptiles and mice can be injured when owners feed live prey. Unless your vet has recommended feeding live, consider feeding flash frozen food instead.

  1. Rolled Oats

    • Mice thrive on a diet that provides them with lots of oats, and rolled oats are the best food for achieving this balance. Quality commercial mouse diets will provide feeder mice with an appropriate quantity of oats.

    Seeds

    • Mice enjoy eating seeds, and seed can help to keep their teeth healthy. Most commercial mouse foods contain seeds. If you're making your own food or the food you've chosen doesn't contain seeds, consider feeding the mouse a teaspoon of parakeet seeds each day.

    Water

    • Mice need to have constant access to water. Their high energy levels, fast metabolism and small bodies can quickly cause dehydration without ample water. Install a mouse water bottle in the mouse's cage. These small cylindrical bottles allow mice to suck water through a tube, which is the mouse's preferred way of drinking.

    Other Foods

    • Mice appreciate variety in their diets. Though a mouse can subsist entirely on quality commercial food, it will still enjoy periodic treats. Boiled rice, carrots, cooked pasta and dandelion flower heads are excellent choices.

    Bad Foods

    • Contrary to popular myth, mice don't like cheese. Unwashed vegetables can be toxic to mice and most fruits will cause diarrhea. Chocolate and milk can be toxic to mice and many mice are allergic to peanuts.