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
Adequate housing, a good diet, and routine preventive care will go a long way toward keeping your hamster safe, happy, and healthy.
Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders
Blood clots sometimes form inside one of the upper chambers of hamsters' hearts. This condition is called atrial thrombosis. The blockages are often found in the left side of the heart. Atrial thro
The best time for hamsters to have offspring is when they are between 10 weeks and 15 months old. Breeders use pairs with 1 male and 1 female, as well as groups of hamsters with 1 male and multiple females. Breeding of hamsters is best left to experienced breeders because hamsters (particularly females) can become aggressive during mating. Also, a number of genetic defects are associated with various types of hamsters, so breeding hamsters without having
To locate a veterinarian for your hamster, check with other pet owners for recommendations, look in directories of exotic animal veterinarians, or check the listings of your state’s veterinary medical society. Select a practice that makes you feel comfortable, has experience in treating hamsters, and offers access to a 24-hour emergency care program. If you travel regularly, you may also want to ask about boarding for your hamster when you must be away from home.
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