Mice and Rats

Although more popular as laboratory research animals, mice and rats are occasionally kept as pets. They are relatively easy to care for, and most have gentle dispositions, making them easy to handle. The mouse, Mus musculus, and the rat, Rattus norvegicus, originated from the Asian continent, but soon spread with man throughout the world. They are both nocturnal creatures, becoming most active during the twilight hours. However, some mice may choose to be quite active during the day as well. Both have hairless tails, a fact that helps differentiate the mouse from its rodent cousin, the gerbil. While most pet rats are pure white or white with black or brown “hoods,” pet mice can be found in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, and tan. The captive life span for mice and rats is around 2 to 4 years.

Restraint Mice and Rats

Mice and rats are usually quite gentle and can be handled without much trouble. Feistier pets can be picked up and restrained by grasping the base of the tail with one hand and as you lift, encircling the back and ribcage with the other hand. For mice, you can also use your thumb and index finger to grasp the scruff of the neck. Be ready: Most rodents will urinate and/or defecate when handled.

Reproduction Mice and Rats

Male mice and rats can be differentiated from females on the basis of their external genitalia and by the distance between the anal and genital openings (longer in males). Female mice and rats experience a heat cycle every 4 to 6 days. Once they have been bred, the gestation period is approximately 21 days. Litter size normally ranges from six to twelve. Baby mice and rats, like other rodents, are born hairless and blind. New litters should not be disturbed for at least 3 days after birth. Weaning occurs at 3 to 4 weeks, with the young reaching sexual maturity close to 2 months of age.

Preventive Health Care Mice and Rats

Strict sanitation, environmental control, and high-quality rations must be given top priority in order to prevent disease in mice and rats. Monitor behavior, eating habits, elimination habits, and physical characteristics closely and notify your veterinarian of any noticeable changes.

Mice and Rats

Although more popular as laboratory research animals, mice and rats are occasionally kept as pets. They are relatively easy to care for, and most have gentle dispositions, making them easy to handle. The mouse, Mus musculus, and the rat, Rattus norvegicus, originated from the Asian continent, but soon spread with man throughout the world. They are both nocturnal creatures, becoming most active during the twilight hours. However, some mice may choose to be quite active during the day as well. Both have hairless tails, a fact that helps differentiate the mouse from its rodent cousin, the gerbil. While most pet rats are pure white or white with black or brown “hoods,” pet mice can be found in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, and tan. The captive life span for mice and rats is around 2 to 4 years.

Nutrition Mice and Rats

Rations for mice and rats should consist of commercial rodent pellets with a few vegetables or fruit pieces added. However, these treats should not exceed 5 percent of the total daily ration. Some mice and rats may prefer the treats over the regular ration, leading to nutritional imbalances. At the same time, be careful not to over feed regular rations, since obesity causes the same ill effects in these small animals as it does in larger ones.

The average mouse will consume about 3 to 4 grams of food per day; rats will consume 10 to 20 grams. Chew-resistant dispensers that hang suspended from the side of the cage can be used to deliver water and food. This method of delivery is much more sanitary than simply placing a food or water bowl on the floor of the cage.
Be sure the sources of food and water are easily reachable and that the delivery end of the water sipper remains accessible. Failure to heed this advice could lead to death from starvation or dehydration, especially in small or weak animals. Natural wood blocks or sticks for chewing should be placed in the enclosure as well to help keep the incisors worn down and healthy.

Housing Mice and Rats

Mice and rats can be housed in any type of cage or container, provided there is enough room to maintain good sanitary conditions and to allow for an exercise wheel, nesting area, and feeding area. Mice tend to be escape artists, so the enclosure must be secure. Rats are social creatures and can be kept together, regardless of sex, with minimal hostilities. Male and female mice usually can be housed together, but male mice should not be housed together because of their tendency to fight.
You can buy wire-mesh rodent cages for your pet mouse or rat at your favorite pet store. A 5- to 10-gallon aquarium-type enclosure with a wire screened top can be used as well. Smooth plastic or metal floors are preferred over wire mesh, as the latter can pose hazards to both feet and tails. The floor of the cage should be lined with 2 to 3 inches of aspen shavings or commercial bedding. This bedding should be changed at least twice weekly to maintain good sanitation. Nesting material offered can consist of facial tissue, pieces of cloth, or cardboard. Exercise wheels, toys, and makeshift huts or sleeping quarters should be installed for your pet’s enjoyment.
When choosing a wheel for mice and rats, try to select one constructed of plastic. Avoid metal wheels with spokes, since they can cause serious injuries to tails that become intertwined. Ideally, the temperature of the room in which you house your rodent should be kept between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with a humidity of around 55 to 60 percent. Twelve hours of both light and darkness should be provided daily