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