Information About Pet Mice
A pet mouse can be a great addition to almost any family. Mice are clean, friendly and even a little cuddly. Mice can be a source of entertainment for those seeking an addition to their lives. A mouse does not require a huge yard or trips to the local park.
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Considerations
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It is important to consider the needs of any pet before purchasing one. Just because a mouse is small, does not mean that it does not require specific care. A mouse should be cared for, cleaned up after, fed and watered with the utmost concern for its well being. A mouse that is well cared after will provide more amusement and companionship than one that is lethargic due to neglect. All pets deserve care, attention and serious consideration.
Food
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There is a wide variety of food available for pet mice. Mice are omnivores and scavengers which means they will eat almost anything they can find. However, it is dangerous and cruel to feed a mouse anything without researching its safety first. It is a wise idea to purchase pre-packaged food from a pet store. These options provide the nutrition needed to keep a mouse healthy. Mice enjoy having treats, and natural whole foods like oatmeal and seeds can be offered as treat. However, be sure to check with a veterinarian (a simple phone call will do) before feeding your mouse anything special.
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Housing
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A mouse should be provided with plenty of space and a container that allows the mouse to see out and allows the owner to see in. A 10 gallon aquarium is often the recommended cage for a mouse or two mice. The cage should contain bedding, toys, food, water, climbing opportunities and a wheel. The bedding is important to the cleanliness of the mouse. The opportunity to climb and a running wheel are both needed to provide exercise for the mice or mouse.
Costs
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The total cost of a mouse varies in each situation. The mouse itself can cost anywhere between nothing and $50. The cost of the mouse's home will also vary depending on what is used. A fancy pet cage from a store may cost over $100 while a used aquarium can be purchased for under $20. Food can cost between $5 and $15 for a pound, and bedding can be made, purchased or found.
Warnings
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A pet mouse is a special one. They are friendly and known to be affectionate. Never take a mouse from the wild and attempt to domesticate it. Wild mice are not the same mice found in pet shops. Mice that are in the wild, should stay that way. They are evolved to survive and often carry germs that help them do so. If you have a mouse in your home, it is best to catch and release it rather that try to keep it as a pet.
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References
- Photo Credit Mouse image by pioregur from Fotolia.com
