r/PetMice Sep 22 '24

Care Guide Series Community Care Guide

88 Upvotes

This post is mouse care simplified, for beginners! It is not very specific, and it does not cover everything, so please do not rely on just this post when educating yourself on mouse care!

This has been written and discussed by moderators of the subreddit. If you have questions or concerns, please comment to let us know! It will be updated regularly to ensure it is factual.

1. Mice are social!

  • Females always need other female companions. It is recommended to have at least 3, but 2 is okay.
  • After 6 mice in one cage, it is often they will start to split up and become territorial against the opposing group. It is suggested to keep your colony under 6 unless you have much knowledge and experience, OR if your mice are littermates.
  • Males can not be housed with other males ever! If you want them to have cage mates, neutering (very risky) and placing with females or leaving intact and bonding with ASFs (African Soft Furs) is beneficial and recommended. Otherwise, they can thrive in solitude.

See this post for more information.

2. Cages

In mouse communities, many users go by tank size rather than listing dimensions. We will do both!

  • 10g/20x10 inches is the minimum for 2 female mice, though we STRONGLY suggest at least a 20g.
  • 20g/30x12 inches is suitable for 2-4 females or 1 male.
  • 40g long/36x12 inches is suitable for 2-5 females or 1 male
  • 40g breeder/36x18 inches is occasionally suitable for 2-6 females or 1 male
  • Over 40g is not always suitable for any amount of mice since many mice do better in environments with less open space. Bigger is not always better for mice.

Any amount of mice may thrive in larger enclosures than suggested above. However, it is critical that the larger the enclosure is, the more clutter provided, otherwise the mice will never thrive.

  • Wood enclosures are suggested against since urine will effect its quality and smell over time.
  • Mesh flooring is dangerous due to the chance of toes/tails getting caught, the mesh cutting their skin, and risking bumplefoot. Mesh should also be avoided in wheels.
  • Though they climb, mice don't need very much height, and multi-story enclosures do not provide them with the proper space they need. Floor space is more important than height.
  • Cages with lots of attachments and rooms do not provide proper space for mice. They are also extremely difficult to clean, fall apart easily, and struggle to hold proper bedding amount and safe wheels.

See this post for more information.

3. Substrate

  • Mice need to be able to create burrows, so while the minimum is 6 inches, we suggest at least 8" of bedding. However, many owners prefer having 10-12" deep!
  • Bedding must be majority safe wood shavings or hemp. Paper substrate does not absorb ammonia well and can cause several health issues when used alone or as majority of substrate.
  • (Dust/scent free for all) Aspen, kiln dried pine, and hemp do well as the main substrate and may be more sturdy mixed with a small portion of hay or paper bedding.

See this post for more information.

4. Clutter

  • Clutter is arguably one of the most important aspects of a mouses cage. No matter the size, if the cage lacks clutter, it is not suitable.
  • Toilet paper rolls, cardboard boxes, tea light and soap dish ceramics, rodent hideouts, branches, logs, cork bark, cardboard egg cartons, and much more can be used as clutter in the cage.
  • From a birds eye view, you should be able to see little to no bedding. While it may seem too cluttered to a human, it's perfect for mice!
  • The larger an enclosure, the more crucial clutter is.

See this post for more information.

5. Enrichment

  • Also known as entertainment, to keep the mice busy!
  • Boredom breakers, foraging toys, dig boxes, sprays(plant), scatter-feeding, and human interaction are all forms of enrichment.
  • Mice should have boredom breakers in their enclosure at all times to keep them from growing bored.
  • Lone males need extra simulation and enrichment.

See this post for more information.

6. Climbing Opportunities

  • A form of enrichment that is required!
  • Mice flourish with climbing opportunities and will always take advantage of them.
  • Ropes, bird ladders, hanging toys, rope nets, shower curtain rings, and bird perches are a few climbing options you can provide.
  • Fabric hammocks are used commonly, but pose a threat when chewed on and loose strings get tangled around limbs. Minimal use of fabric is suggested for this reason.

See this post for more information.

7. Exercise

  • A form of enrichment that is required!
  • An upright, solid wheel of 9 inches in diameter or larger must be provided at all times. 2 or more are suggested for groups of girls.
  • Spinning saucer disks or hamster balls/cars are UNSAFE and should never be provided, no matter how much you think your mouse may enjoy it (fun≠safe)
  • Proper wheel brands may include Niteangel, Silent Spinner Exotic Nutrition, Oxbow, Wodent, Bucstate, and Trixie (but there are many more besides these!)

See this post for more information.

8. Diet & Hydration

  • Main diet must be pellets/lab blocks.
  • A high variety food mix (nuts, seeds, grains, ect) must be given 1-3 times a week, or even as long as once every two weeks. The frequency is owner preference.
  • Feeding is 3-5 grams per mouse a day.
  • Ensure your mice have constant access to food through toys and scatter-feeding.
  • Food bowls are suggested only for fresh fruits or veggies since they provide no enrichment otherwise!
  • Mice must have at least two water sources and constant access to them at all times. Bowls or bottles work well, though having one of each is ideal. Water must be cleaned and refreshed daily.

See this post for more information.

9. Cleaning

  • Daily spot checks to clean up mess, poo on toys/clutter, and urine on the surface is vital.
  • Bedding changes will be needed less often with more bedding and space. A 10g tank (or cage of similar size) would need weekly bedding changes.
  • Each enclosure size and mouse amount will effect how often bedding changes are necessary. Find a cleaning schedule that ensures the cage doesn't smell at any time for your mouses health.
  • With deep bedding over 6 inches, you'll have to change out less of the bedding. 1/3 to 1/2 of the bedding may stay in the enclosure while the most soiled areas are removed and replaced.
  • In any case, a small amount of bedding must be left over after a bedding change to decrease stress.

See this post for more information.

10. Taming

  • Allowing your mice to settle in for a few days before interacting with them is wise.
  • Rub your hands on bedding and toilet paper in the cage to get the mice used to your scent.
  • Encourage interaction through hand feeding.
  • If a mouse is not motivated to interact after several weeks, try to lure them to climb onto your hand for treats. A strong bond is important with mice so they are well adjusted to interaction in case of a vet visit or emergencies. Human interaction can also be beneficial to them.

See this post for more information.

11. Other

  • Mice are crepuscular and are typically seen during the morning or late day/night.
  • They are self bathing and should never be washed with water or soap (unless vet prescribed). It ruins the health of their fur coat and leaves them more susceptible to URIs and freezing. They do not need any form of bathing/washing.
  • Mice don't hibernate. If a mouse appears to be in a hibernation state, this is Torpor, caused when they overheat or freeze. This is a medical emergency.
  • You should never pick up a mouse by its tail or other limbs.
  • Fancy mice (aka domestic mouse) live 1-2 years on average.
  • Wild mice do poor in captivity, unless they are unfit for the wild they should not be kept as pets.
  • You should never breed mice purposely without years of research and mouse owning experience prior.
  • Vet visits are a likely occurrence in mouse ownership, since mice are prone to many health issues.
  • Travel carriers are needed for vet visits, emergencies, cage cleaning, and quarantine.

12. Links & Other Posts

Shopping

In Depth Mouse Care

Other Species

Up-to-Date Posts From NotApplicableMC & Others

Outdated Posts From NotApplicableMC

These guides are incredibly thorough and well written. However, they link some information that is no longer available, or they list mouse care information that has been dis-proven. An important point to make is these guides may suggest some controversial topics, most of which our community does not fully support. Although these guides don't follow our standards exactly, they are still very well made. Please keep an open mind and read all sides of a controversy before deciding which you feel works best for your mice.

I have decided to share these because they are very descriptive on some aspects of mouse care I did not cover well. I strive to have a guide in the future as well made as these, but for now, I have to bring attention to the effort made by this member.

Scientific Studies

  • Sources & Additional Articles (coming soon)
  • Safe & Unsafe Foods Sources (coming soon)

More community resources coming soon


r/PetMice Jul 09 '25

Community Help Temporary Post for Care Commands

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23 Upvotes

Please feel free to try out these WIP care commands in the comments! Let me know if there are any issues I need to fix.


r/PetMice 3h ago

Cute Mouse Media Introducing my babies❤️

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103 Upvotes

Just picked up my lovelies today🥹 say hi to Mr. Jingles and Carrie!


r/PetMice 2h ago

Cute Mouse Media Say hi to Pumpkin!

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52 Upvotes

Just brought this little guy home I’m in love with him he’s so adorable 😭😭


r/PetMice 19h ago

Wild Mouse/Mice Rescued house mouse full of soup??

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514 Upvotes

Hi! I found this critter on a glue trap at my work. I was able to set them free using oil, but brought them home. They’ve been with me for 4 days and look tremendously rounder than day 1, am I doomed? Are they full of soup?? I’m unable to hold them to get the underside, trying to limit exposure until they get used to the new abode.

Photo 1 and 2: 4 days ago
Photo 3 and 4: today


r/PetMice 20h ago

Cute Mouse Media Fat boi

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430 Upvotes

r/PetMice 27m ago

Wild Mouse/Mice [Rehome - Malvern/Philly PA] Two male fancy mice (Colby Jack & Cheddar) looking for a home. Comes with 2 full cage setups & supplies!

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Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I am looking to rehome my two sweet male fancy mice, Colby Jack and Cheddar, to a dedicated hobbyist or loving home in the Malvern / Greater Philadelphia area.
These mice belong to my oldest child, who just left for college and was unfortunately unable to take them along. We also have three cats in our home, and it has become incredibly difficult and stressful to keep the mice completely safe and separate from them. We love these boys very much and want to find them a home where they can get the attention they deserve without the stress of predators around.

Because they are males, they are territorial and currently live in separate cages.

To ensure they have a smooth transition, I am giving away everything they need completely free to a good home. This includes 2 full cages, water bottles, food bowls, wheels, and extra bedding. You won't need to buy any hardware to take them in!

About the Boys:

Colby Jack: He is white and orangey-brown. He is incredibly tenacious, full of energy, and absolutely loves running on his wheel!
Cheddar: He is a solid brown/orange color. He can be a little cold and shy at first, but he warms up quickly. Once he knows you, he is super friendly and genuinely loves to be held.

If interested, please send me a direct message! I am located in Malvern, PA, and can arrange a meetup nearby.


r/PetMice 9h ago

Cute Mouse Media Would you believe me if I said she’s over two years old?

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44 Upvotes

I brought her home August 29 2024 she wasn’t fully grown but not a baby either. She is with two other girls but Nyx has been finicky so we’ve taken it really slow hence why their enclosure is not at all cluttered and enriching as I’d prefer. My old gal has moved with me twice now, outlived her siblings and continues to amaze me. She does need special attention to her diet to keep her lively and feeling herself but aside from that she does really well getting around.


r/PetMice 2h ago

Wild Mouse/Mice A "colleague"

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6 Upvotes

I work at a therapeutic riding centre, ran into this delightful little lady in the hay barn today. Hopefully she will run faster next time, there are many dogs and also yard cats (who never catch anything, but still).


r/PetMice 21h ago

Cute Mouse Media Hi here’s an update on my babies

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199 Upvotes

I posted a little bit ago showing you my mice, Meeple and Ribbon, and mentioned how they both had babies! The babies are all healthy and just opened their eyes and started to walk around so I figured I’d share some photos because they ARE SOOOOO CUTIE AWW!!! There’s 16 total babies.


r/PetMice 40m ago

Wild Mouse/Mice My son found a baby mouse (?)

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Upvotes

Since posting this a couple hours ago, my son has fallen completely head over heels for this guy. We were able to get it to suckle some soy milk (it’s what I had already on hand) from a clean and unused paint brush. It seemed to have perked up a little bit, then curled up to sleep. It is in a small box with some shredded up paper towels, tucked away in my bedroom. My bedroom is at about 76-77 degrees during the day right now (thank you September heat wave) but will be cooler overnight.

My son is desperate to keep it as a pet. My son is also adhd and has a habit of losing interest quickly. I told him we would give it at least 1-2 days to see it if survives.

If it does… what do I do? We have cats in the house so I’d really like to NOT keep it as a pet. We’ve already been through one existential crisis over life and death.

Lordy I got myself into the mess by agreeing to take it in and check it out instead of gently taking it out in the woods 🤦‍♀️


r/PetMice 19h ago

Cute Mouse Media My Late Mouse is a Circle

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98 Upvotes

I posted a pic of my late mouse Marbles on another post’s comment, and someone called him round. I was curious how circular he actually was, so I did some fiddling to find out. Turns out he’s very circular.


r/PetMice 21h ago

Cute Mouse Media just had to share cute pic

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155 Upvotes

and yes, that is a mini lowe’s bucket


r/PetMice 16h ago

Cute Mouse Media He likes his soft peas

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59 Upvotes

r/PetMice 7h ago

Male or Female? Does this lil mouse look female enough to move in with the females or should I wait? 5 weeks old

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3 Upvotes

r/PetMice 18h ago

Cute Mouse Media My mouse discovering apple sticks

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24 Upvotes

This is Phoebe! She’s very shy, so I don’t have many pics or videos of her… but she was absolutely tearing up this twig. I’ve never seen her this excited over anything :,)


r/PetMice 1d ago

Cute Mouse Media I’ve been calling her Big Bertha but her real name is Uranus❣️

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404 Upvotes

One of the girls I kept as a pet from my last brindle litter. Compared to my other brindles she has the most weight.

She’s an active girl, who eats the same as others. She just holds more chonk 🤷🏼‍♀️


r/PetMice 12h ago

First Time Owner Mice keep burying EVERYTHING

8 Upvotes

Sorry, except for temporarily caring for a young wild mouse, I don't have any experience with mice. My three girls are so funny. They seem very happy (digging, running, popcorning, redecorating), but they are burying literally all their stuff, including their wheel. Is this healthy/common behavior? What do I do about having a wheel if they're just going to bury it?


r/PetMice 1d ago

Setup Tour Feel free to rate my girls enclosure :)

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55 Upvotes

I have a group of girls and I always look for ways to improve my care! I know it is probably not the best but I would say I am doing alright. Around Christmas I will get a second enclosure which will make my enclosure size 200x50x50 cm :)


r/PetMice 21h ago

Cute Mouse Media magic trick

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14 Upvotes

and for this next trick, i will make the mouse... disappear!


r/PetMice 1d ago

Setup Tour New cage settup!

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44 Upvotes

How can I improve?

I know I should’ve added more bedding but rightnow its at 25cm on the high end and maybe 16cm on the lower end.
Is there anything else I can improve on?


r/PetMice 1d ago

Rainbow Bridge my pet mouse passed wednesday and i miss him very much. here’s the box i laid him to rest in.

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206 Upvotes

r/PetMice 2d ago

Rainbow Bridge Manzo has passed away

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359 Upvotes

This is an extraordinarily difficult post for me to make but please bear with me. My mouse Manzardo had been dealing with some growths as of late and unfortunately I found him deceased late last night. I want to thank everyone on here for their love and appreciation for my large boy, I know how much he was a fan favorite for his large size and large 'tude. Please enjoy that big cookie in the sky my guy.


r/PetMice 1d ago

Question/Help Sleeping alone and out in the open??

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173 Upvotes

One of my girls is asleep out in the open while the other three are sleeping in their tunnels. Is this normal?? Why would she do this