Looking after your mouse
Congratulations on acquiring your new mouse
Handling
Mice are easily tamed with quiet gentle handling, however they are very delicate and can easily be hurt, therefore children should only handle them under close adult supervision.
Mice can be picked up by gently cupping them in two hands. Approach them from the front, not from above, and do not approach them in their sleeping compartment. Always hold them over a low flat surface and do not drop them. Be careful because they can move at surprising speeds. Mice can be steadied by gently holding on to the base of their tails but they should never be picked up by their tails.
If your mouse bites you and is holding on to your finger, be brave and gently lower the mouse on to a flat surface where it will let go. Do not try to pull it off.
Mice need a spacious metal cage, or a glass or plastic tank. Cages should have a deep plastic base rather than a wire base which could damage feet. The bars of the cage should be close enough together (less than 1cm) to prevent escape. Tanks need a wire mesh lid with small holes for ventilation. Remember that mice have very strong incisor teeth and can chew their way through wood. For two mice, cages or tanks should be at least 45cm long x 30cm wide x 25cm high. Allow a further 30cm for each additional mouse.
The cage or tank should be placed in a well-ventilated warm room away from draughts and direct sunlight or heat. Keep your mice away from constant noise (e.g. the hum of a fridge freezer) or loud noise (e.g. TVs or music systems).
Health
Check your rats daily. They should be alert, bright eyed and active. There should be no discharge around their eyes, ears, mouth and nose or under their tails. They should have quiet, regular breathing with no sneezing. Their coats should be glossy with no bald patches. There should be no lumps or bumps and their nails and teeth shouldn’t be overgrown.
Small Furries Health Information
Find out more
To assist owners in understanding more about a health conditions that are specific to small furies we have put together a range of information sheets to talk you through some of the more common health concerns seen and treated by our General Practice Vets.
