Mice are one of the most recognizable species. You can find a variation of this animal in numerous places in the world. We categorize them as mammals. They are very small with a long tail and round ears. One of their most impressive features is the ability to reproduce at a high rate. The most common species of mouse is the house mouse.
Pet Mice Habits and biology
Mice are very common pets. But sometimes, they are seen as major pests as they can invade your home, spread disease, and ruin crops. Besides being great pets, we commonly use them like lab animals. The species has certain features that make it a great choice for experiments.
These animals are native to India, Asia, and the variolous parts of Europe. However, over time, humans spread them to all continents. They are very recognizable and have a major impact on pop culture. The species lives indoors during cold time, and they go outside when spring and summer come around.
Generally speaking, this species is nocturnal in the wild. However, domesticated mice can be active both during the day and night. Often, mice are reliant on humans for food and protection. They would eat our food, crops, but also furniture. The animal burrows itself in the ground and creates a nest there.
Although the animal has many enemies, its fast reproduction rate allows it to survive as a species. They will start breeding when they’re 50 days old, although females can reproduce after 25 to 40 days. The animal mates during the night.
Here are some of its most common habits:
- Due to their size and the number of enemies, it isn’t surprising that mice are very timid animals. However, that doesn’t mean they are antisocial. In fact, these are some of the friendlier creatures when in the company of other mice. They can also be friendly towards humans if they spend enough time together.
- Mice have high determination when looking for food. For example, they are willing to take several bites, scratches, or stings when hunting dangerous insects.
- The animal has several ways of communicating with its species. Besides normal, they also rely on ultrasonic sounds.
- In many ways, mice brain works similarly to that of humans. That makes them great experiment subjects.
- The species is notorious for chewing on furniture. They do this so they can use the material for their nests.
What do pet mice like to eat most?
Mice can be very aggressive and proactive in their search for food. When feeding their young, they are willing to do whatever to provide.
These animals are omnivores. You can give them almost anything, but they usually focus on grains and insects. Basically, they will eat whatever they can find. In some situations, when there isn’t enough food, mice will resort to cannibalism.
Here are some of the main things they eat:
- Insects
- Almost all other types of meat
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Nuts
- Seeds and grains
- Other plants
- Certain human food
If you have a pet mouse, you can always give it commercial rodent or pellet food. Such a diet would be more than sufficient, and they wouldn’t have to take any supplements. They need about 15 grams of food and 15 milters of water a day in terms of nutritional value. The food intake also depends on the mouse species, which is why you should consult with a veterinarian.
Millet and barley are especially important for their development. The animal needs a lot of fiber and protein (which you can find in soy). Keep in mind that a pet mouse cannot eat the same-store food over and over again; it will need fresh vegetables and fruits every week.
In terms of vegetables, it seems mice usually prefer crunchy plants. You can give them celery, carrots, broccoli, and anything else that has a nice balance of carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Fruits can be a great treat, as well. Their teeth are always growing so, by giving them harder food, you can stifle their development.
Some people like to give their pets human food. And that is completely fine as long as you know what to give them. Hard-boiled eggs are a good example of a food that is valuable for pet mice. The animal can also eat cooked pasta and stale bread. So, you can combine several things.
Having clean water is also very important for the animal. You can pour it in special rodent dishes available at local pet stores. Smaller vessels are much better ensuring the animal won’t put any waste in it. Make sure to clean the bottle four times a week, at least.
Food avoid feeding Pet Mice
Experts consider rats and mice as scavenger species. They usually stick to the same, tried-and-tested food. However, when there is scarcity, mice are willing to try new things. The animal does this through a process of trials and errors. A mouse will try specific food and then go back to its community. Depending on its reaction, the other mice will know whether this thing is safe or not.
Mouse kept in a cage will eat any food you give it as it doesn’t have many alternatives. So, you are completely responsible for its wellbeing. Certain types of human food are very toxic. Candies are especially problematic and other processed goods. They cannot stand salt nor sugar. In fact, they cannot eat anything that has lots of spices in it. Hot food is especially troublesome for their digestive tract.
However, there are some other natural foods toxic to the animal. Here is the full list:
- Garlic
- Onion
- Chocolate
- Acidic fruits
- Acidic vegetables
- Spices
- Peanuts
- Raw meat
- Walnuts
- Raw beans
- Rhubarb
- Wheat
- Corn
- Lettuce
Depending on the food, you can expect different reactions. Most of these items are hazardous, but they won’t cause major issues. For example, garlic, acidic vegetables, and fruits will cause some stomach irritation and diarrhea, but they won’t be lethal.
If you have never had a pet mouse before, we suggest starting with a simple diet. Giving the animal things such as mouse food coupled with carrots, apples, and broccoli is the safest bet. Unfortunately, some owners want to share human food with their pets as soon as possible, causing them stomach distress.
Besides proper food, it is also imperative to establish proper habits. Although you might think these animals can thrive anywhere, mice can easily get sick if they live in a filthy environment. Changing their water and cleaning their cage will go a long way in keeping them healthy. As mentioned, make sure to change their water at least four times a week. Also, remove all uneaten food from the cage.
Tips to feed Pet Mice
Your pet mouse might be reluctant to eat the food that you provide. So, here are the tips that will help you get started:
- Mice spend the majority of their lives in search of food. Ideally, you should try to recreate this to kickstart its instincts. Changing the diet and introducing new and exciting feeding situations will keep the mouse from getting bored.
- Avoid washing your hands before hand-feeding a mouse. They have a very strong sense of smell, and soap can be very distracting.
- If a mouse is very fearful, you can try feeding it with a plastic spoon before feeding it by hand. This will give it some time to adjust, and it won’t be pressured. Make sure that that spoon is made from plastic and not metal, as it is easier for them to interact with this material.
- Another great trick is to scatter around pellets in the cage instead of placing them in a bowl. That way, the mouse will think it’s scavenging for food. This is especially good if you have several mice and one of them dominates the bowl. The harder it is for a mouse to sniff out the food, the more satisfying the meal.
- Although you might think this is abnormal behavior, mice have to eat their own droppings. By doing so, they ensure a healthy gut. The species have two kinds of droppings. The first one is normal; the second one is not fully processed and has certain nutrients in it. Therefore, eating the second one is very beneficial for them.
- Like with any other pet, the best way to learn about a mouse’s preferences is to offer it several types of food.
- If you wish to hand-feed your mouse, it needs to get used to your hands. Even if it nibbles you several times, you need to be persistent.
Summary
Having a pet mouse can be challenging at times. Luckily, this isn’t a big animal, so you won’t have the same worries as with a dog. But that doesn’t mean you should neglect it as mice are very friendly and get attached to their owners.
When it comes to diet, a pet mouse can eat all sorts of stuff. Besides the regular pet store food, you can give it fresh vegetables and fruits from time to time. If you wish, you can also train it to eat from your hand, bringing you closer together.