Common name: Mouse

Genus: Mus Musculus

Origin: Asia

Size: 3 inch with a 2 1/2 inch tail

Life Span: 2+ years

Temperament: Social, easy to handle, good natured and inquisitive.

Diet: Omnivore. Commercial gerbil or hamster mix containing seeds, nuts and pellets. Supplement with hay, fresh fruits and vegetables.

What not to give them; kidney sprouts, onions, potato, potato tops, rhurbarb, rhurbarb leaves, tomato leaves, and chocolate.

Housing: Use either a 20.5 X 10.25 X 10.25 inch wire cage, aquarium or a modular system.

Bedding: Aspen shavings or Carefresh^®

Water: A water bottle should be available at all times and should be changed daily.

Temperature/Humidity: 65-75 degrees

Lighting: No special lighting is required

Companionship: Will live happily in groups of single or mixed sexes. Mice are better introduced young for adults will not accept companionship should be living in group when bought if you choose to have two or more.

Sexing: Hold tail up for at least 10 seconds, then you should look to see if any male anatomy drops, if not than its a female, should not sex before 4 weeks of age this is too young.

Pros: Easily tamed, if handled regularly. Seldom bite. Intelligent, curious and adventuresome both day and night. Very clean.

Cons: Require a habitat that allows for a lot of daily exercise. Small, fast moving animals can be difficult to handle. Tend to nibble on fingers. Can be easily hurt if squeezed or dropped. Easy to lose if they escape from habitat.

Note: Best kept in pairs of same sex from birth. Must have items to chew to wear down constantly growing teeth. Habitat requires plenty of room and nest building material.