Diseases and Disorders of Mice

Diseases and disorders commonly seen in pet mice include infectious diseases, injuries due to trauma, and problems related to nutrition and aging. Although the treatment of disorders in rodents is becoming more sophisticated, prevention of disease (by providing an appropriate diet and practicing good management and hygiene) is usually more successful than treatment.   Digestive Disorders A number of disorde

Mice reach sexual maturity at about 6 to 8 weeks of age. From this age onward, females and males should be housed separately. If you are planning to breed your mice, you should provide nesting material (tissue paper works well) in one corner of the cage. Females can have up to 15 litters a year and can become pregnant within 24 hours after giving birth. The average gestation time for mice is 19 to 21 days. Baby mice are called pups and are born d

Mice are resilient animals and rarely get sick. Furnishing appropriate housing, a nutritious diet, good hygiene, and considerate care will minimize disease. Signs of illness in mice include a ruffled coat, depressed attitude, lethargy, closed or squinted eyes, reluctance to move even when handled, and a loss of appetite. Changes in the color, consistency, smell, or amount of urine or feces may also indicate that your mouse is sick. Any of these signs are a good indic

Your mice will be healthier and live longer if you provide them with appropriate, well-ventilated housing, a nutritionally sound diet, and opportunity to exercise and explore their environment. Good sanitation is the key to preventing many types of disease.   Housing Various cages are available to keep mice. In general, a cage should have good ventilation, be easy to clean, and be escape-proof. The cage flo

Mice are widely available at pet stores, or they may be obtained from a local breeder. When selecting a pet mouse, you should look for one that has smooth, glossy fur, clear eyes, and no obvious signs of trauma such as limping or hair loss on the body or tail. There should be no discharge from the eyes or nose and no signs of diarrhea in the mouse’s environment. Other signs of illness include matted fur, a hunched posture, and general dullness. When awake, mi

Mice are easy to tame, handle, and look after, even by children. They are nocturnal by nature and usually spend most of the day sleeping; at night they are very active. Due to their small size, mice should be handled gently and may not be the best pet for very young children. You can temporarily restrain a mouse by gently grasping the base of the tail and supporting its body with your other hand. Pick up a mouse by scooping it gently into a cuppe

Adult mice typically weigh about 1 ounce (28 grams) and are approximately 2.5 to 3.5 inches (6 to 8 cm) long, not including the tail ( see Table: Mice at a Glance). Male mice are typically larger than females. Pet mice are available in many colors and coat patterns due to specialized breeding. Coats can be smooth, curly, longhaired, or a combination. The most common color variations are brown, black

House mice (scientific name Mus musculus) originated in the central and southern regions of Asia. Because they are very adaptable, they have spread all over the world. House mice were domesticated by Europeans and Asians who began to selectively breed them for their fur and coloring. Mice have been used for many purposes over the centuries. Mice were used in religious rituals as early as 1100 bc