How to Care for Pet Mice

If you are looking for a pet to get your child but are limited by the amount of space you have in your home, you should consider getting a pet mouse. Mice are tiny and cute, and are actually very smart. Your child can play with them and teach them to go through some obstacle courses to find the cheese at the end. If you do decide to get your child a pet mouse, you will need to be aware of the proper way to care for it. This way you can make sure you are capable and that your house is stocked with the necessary supplies.

Things You'll Need

  • Cage
  • Bedding
  • Pet water bottle
  • Toilet-paper rolls
  • Rodent food
  • Fresh produce
  • Wheel
  • House
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a cage that will give the mouse room to run around. The cage should have a screened top for air, and should also be gnaw-proof as your mouse will likely try to chew through it. Your local pet store will have a few options from which you can choose.

    • 2

      Lay down some bedding for your mouse on the floor of the cage. You want to either use hardwood shavings or shredded paper. Make sure you stay away from cedar and pine shavings as they are harmful to a mouse's respiratory system.

    • 3

      Include a water bottle in your mouse's cage. This water bottle should be the type that only drips water when your pet presses up against it. These are sold at most pet stores and are not expensive. You can place a small bowl of water in your mouse's cage, but he might knock it over.

    • 4

      Place some toilet-paper rolls in your mouse's cage. Mice need to gnaw all the time because their teeth are always growing. The toilet-paper rolls help file the mouse's teeth down and keep them healthy. You can also use paper-towel rolls; just cut them in half.

    • 5

      Feed your mouse food made for rodents. Your pet store will have bags of this. In addition to the rodent food, you will want to give your mouse some fresh, uncooked produce.

    • 6

      Give your mouse some toys so that it doesn't get bored. An exercise wheel is a good idea because it will allow your mouse to get some exercise each day. Mice homes are a good idea so that your mouse can play hide and seek. If you don't want to purchase a mouse house, then you can make one out of a round butter tub. Just flip the tub upside down and cut a doorway out of it.