Mice as pets - are they for me?

Introduction

Welcome to our little guide on the exciting topic of mice as pets. Mice are fascinating, agile and intelligent animals that can be wonderful companions with the right care and attention. In this guide, we'll cover various aspects of keeping mice, from proper nutrition to care and common health questions.

Regardless of whether you are already the proud owner of a mouse or are just thinking about getting one, here you will find useful tips and information to make the lives of your little rodent friends enriching and healthy. Let's dive into the world of these adorable little creatures together!

Mice as pets - basics

Mice are interesting but demanding pets, especially for children. Mice kept as pets, known as house mice, include colored mice and white mice. It is important that they are always kept at least in pairs to allow for social interactions. Commercially available hamster cages are suitable for accommodation.

Some basic facts about mice:

• Body temperature: 37.0 to 38.5 degrees Celsius.
• Resting breathing: 80 to 135 breaths per minute.
• Heart rate: 290 to 420 beats per minute.
• Lifespan: About 2 years.
• Size: 15 to 16 cm.
• Weight: 20 to 40 grams.
• Sexual maturity occurs at 4 to 6 weeks.
• The cycle is year-round and lasts 4 to 5 days.
• Gestation period: 21 to 23 days.
• Number of young per litter: 10 to 20.
• Nursing period: 3 to 4 weeks.
• The eyes open about 2 weeks after birth.

Mice have 16 teeth, including incisors and molars. Veterinary care is usually limited to general examinations and treatment for illnesses, especially dental or gastrointestinal problems. Vaccinations are not common for mice ​.

If you are considering mice as pets, keep in mind that they require special care and attention and may not be the ideal pets for children. Their lifespan is relatively short and they require an appropriate environment and regular health monitoring.

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Which mice are available as pets?

There are different breeds of mice that can be kept as pets. Here are some of the most popular:

1. Color Mouse : This is the most commonly kept type of mouse. It is characterized by a variety of colors and patterns.
2. Harvest mouse : It is smaller than the colored mouse and is known for its lively and active behavior.
3. Long-haired mouse : A variant of the colored mouse with longer fur that is particularly popular with lovers of long-haired animals.
4. Siamese Mouse : This mouse has a distinctive appearance reminiscent of the Siamese cat, with darker tones on the extremities.
5. White Mouse : Often used in laboratories, they are also kept as pets. They are known for their white fur and red or black eyes.

Each of these mouse breeds has its own unique characteristics and needs, so before getting a mouse as a pet, it is important to do your research and consider which breed will best suit your lifestyle.

What are the typical diseases in mice? What are the symptoms? How can these be treated?

Mice are susceptible to a variety of diseases. Some of the most common diseases and their symptoms, as well as treatment options, are:

1. Diarrhea : Diarrhea is often underestimated, but it can quickly become life-threatening. Causes can be bacterial diseases, intestinal parasites, disturbed intestinal flora or viruses. It is important to treat quickly to compensate for fluid and electrolyte loss.
2. Respiratory diseases : Commonly found in colored mice. Causes can be heart disease, allergies, poor posture or infectious diseases. Symptoms include noises when breathing, sneezing, wheezing or rattling breathing, runny nose, wet nose, sore eyes or noticeable breathing. Prevention includes good ventilation of the enclosure and avoiding drafts and dust.
3. Skin fungus : Colored mice are particularly susceptible to this. The most common skin fungus is filamentous fungus, which can also affect fur and claws. Symptoms include dry, flaky or rough skin, redness or bald spots.
4. Ulcerative dermatitis : This skin inflammation causes severe itching, and affected animals often scratch themselves bloody. The exact cause is unknown, but a previous infestation with ectoparasites is suspected. Treatment can be lengthy and repetitive.
5. Parasites : These include ectoparasites (e.g. lice, fleas, mites) and endoparasites (e.g. roundworms, tapeworms, giardia). They cause itching and can lead to other symptoms such as intestinal inflammation and diarrhea .

In addition to these specific diseases, you should pay attention to general symptoms that may indicate disease in mice:

• Apathy : apathy, lack of exercise, loss of interest in the surroundings, deprivation of food and water.
• Closed eyes : Often in combination with other symptoms, a sign of a critical condition.
• Ruffled fur : May indicate stress or a serious illness.
• Lack of muscle tone : Decreased muscle tone indicates stress or illness.
• Pallor : A sign of various illnesses, from colds to anemia.
• Cyanosis : Bluish to purple discoloration of the skin, a sign of lack of oxygen in the blood, often caused by lung or heart disease.
• Flank breathing/"pumping" : Clear, sometimes jerky breathing, a sign of shortness of breath.
• Low temperature : A lower than normal body temperature can indicate serious illness​ ​.

If illness is suspected, it is important veterinary care as mice often hide their symptoms and illnesses can progress quickly.

This diagram clearly shows the diseases of mice as pets.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about mice as pets

What do mice eat as pets?

Mice are omnivorous rodents that enjoy a diverse diet. Your diet can include both plant and animal foods. Here are some foods that are suitable for mice:

1. Special mouse food : There is food specially developed for mice on the market that offers a balanced mix of grains, seeds, nuts and other important nutrients. This should be the basis of their diet.
2. Fresh fruits and vegetables : As a supplement, mice can eat small amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables. Suitable options include apples (seedless), bananas, broccoli, carrots and cucumbers. Be sure to offer these in small quantities, as too much fresh food can cause digestive problems.
3. Protein-rich food : Occasionally, mice may also enjoy animal proteins such as boiled eggs, cottage cheese, or mealworms. However, these should only be given in small quantities as a treat.
4. Water : Fresh, clean water is essential for mice and should always be available.

It is important to keep your mouse's diet balanced and varied to promote its health and vitality. Avoid sugary and high-fat foods, and make sure the food is not moldy or spoiled. You should also make sure that the food does not contain any pesticides or other harmful substances.

Do you have to vaccinate mice as pets and if so, against what?

No, mice generally do not need to be vaccinated. Unlike other pets such as dogs, cats or rabbits, there are no standardized vaccinations for mice. This is because the most common diseases in mice are not caused by viruses that can be vaccinated against or because the corresponding vaccines for mice have not been developed.

The health of your mice depends mainly on good care, a balanced diet, a clean and safe habitat, and avoiding stressors. It is also important to screen new mice for disease before introducing them into an existing group to prevent the spread of disease.

If you have concerns about your mouse's health, you should contact a veterinarian who has experience with small animals. Regular health checks help identify and treat potential problems early.

Summary Mice as pets

Mice as pets are a fascinating choice for animal lovers. As pets, mice offer the opportunity to observe the behavior of small animals up close. Keeping mice as pets requires specialized knowledge about their care and nutrition. Keeping mice as pets also means taking responsibility for their health needs. As pets, mice require an appropriately sized and safe habitat.

Considering mice as pets requires an understanding of their social needs, as they are best kept in groups. For those who keep mice as pets, it is important to know that they require a balanced diet. Caring for mice as pets also means paying attention to signs of illness, as they often hide their symptoms. Keeping mice as pets can be a rewarding experience, especially if you appreciate their lively nature and curiosity.

Purchasing mice as pets should be a well-considered decision that takes into account the lifespan and care needs of these animals. Having mice as pets also provides the opportunity to learn more about the natural behavior of rodents. Overall, mice as pets are a unique and worthwhile choice for responsible pet owners.