Equipment for Mice

Thinking of owning a mouse? Then check out the Twootz guide to essential items for first-time owners!

Create the ideal home for your mouse by ensuring you buy everything he needs to lead a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Cage

When purchasing a cage for your mice you need to consider the following:

Size:

  • Buy the biggest cage you can afford that will fit comfortably into your home

  • The minimum cage size for an adult mouse is 30cm high x 30m wide x 30cm deep

  • Ensure that the cage is situated in a draught-proof yet well-ventilated spot


Construction:

  • Mice like to chew, therefore most cages are constructed from strong wire; mice will spend hours gnawing on the bars of their cage

  • A glass aquarium (fish tank) makes a good mouse house as it allows a deep layer of bedding to be given and will prevent your pet from continuously gnawing on cage bars

  • The spacing between the bars of the cage should be small enough (no more than eight millimetres) to stop your mouse from squeezing through them and escaping

  • Ensure that your mouse’s cage is free from dangerous protrusions that may cause him injury


Feeding:

Your mouse will require the following feeding accessories:

Twootz provides a Small Animal fruity mix which is an ideal food your mouse, it promotes health and well being and contains important vitamins and minerals essential for promoting good health.

  • A heavy earthenware or metal bowl to prevent him from tipping it over

  • A gravity-feed water bottle to prevent contamination

  • A bottle-brush to clean out his water bottle


Bedding

Suitable bedding materials include:

  • Wood shavings – ensure they are derived from untreated softwood (e.g. pine) as is usually sold in pet stores, otherwise your pet may suffer from respiratory ailments and allergic reactions

  • Hay – only use clean, fresh hay and remember to offer an additional daily source for eating

  • Shredded paper – ensure that it is free from ink in case your mouse chews it

  • Prepared small animal bedding as is available from pet stores

  • Avoid sawdust as the fine particles may irritate your mouse's eyes and respiratory tract


Toys and treats:

  • Although mice can be timid, they do love to be provided with a variety of toys and treats

  • Move them regularly around your pet’s cage to prevent him from becoming bored

  • Remember that treats should be given in moderation to prevent obesity and selective feeding


Suitable toys include:

  • Tubes – used cardboard toilet roll tubes make excellent play and chew toys

  • Terracotta flowerpots – avoid plastic ones as these are chewable

  • Deciduous tree branches – mice particularly enjoy apple tree branches

  • Exercise wheels – ensure these are of solid design to prevent injuries to legs and tails

  • Cardboard boxes – cut out holes in them to provide hiding and nesting places for your mouse


Suitable occasional treats include:

  • Fresh and dried fruit and vegetables hang them in his cage to make him work for his treat

  • Stickle treats available in a wide range of flavours and recipes from pet shops

  • Baked wholemeal bread and dog biscuits – good treats for chewing, therefore they help to maintain dental health

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