Having a pet, no matter how small, is a big responsibility. If you’re thinking of buying a mouse or if you already own one, it’s important to make sure that their cage is set up the correct way.
Before you head to the pet store and buy one of these tiny rodents, it’s a good idea to know how to set up your mouse cage properly.
Read on for a few helpful tips that will ensure your little buddy is healthy and happy in his new home.
Make Sure Your Mouse Cage is Made for Mice
From birds to other small rodents, there’s no shortage of cages out there for consumers to buy. When you’re looking for a mouse cage, make sure that it’s made especially for mice and not other animals.
Mice are very small, so their cages need to accommodate them without giving them a place to squeeze through the bars and escape. You should also make sure the cage has proper ventilation so your mouse or mice stay comfortable.
Never buy a hamster cage or another type of glass cage that’s designed for other animals, since it could kill your mouse. These little guys need proper airflow, so check your local pet store and ask about cages that are made just for mice.
You can also use a 20-inch long glass aquarium if you are housing up to three female mice, but keep in mind that glass tanks get dirty a lot faster, so they should be cleaned frequently. A dirty cage can cause your mouse to end up with a potentially fatal respiratory problem.
Never keep male and female mice together unless you’re planning to breed them. Otherwise, separate your mice by gender to avoid fighting and other issues.
Choosing Mouse Cage Materials
The material of your mouse cage matters since it can affect the durability of the cage as well as your pet’s quality of life. Look for cages made of durable plastic or metal whenever possible since these materials are easy to clean and won’t absorb urine and other stains.
Plastic mouse cages are fairly affordable and they’re also lightweight in case you want to move them around your home. A plastic cage can break after a lot of wear and tear, if you drop it, or if it’s exposed to too much sunlight.
Metal cages are also easy to maintain and should last a lot longer than a plastic cage, even if they cost slightly more money. A metal cage is strong and offers great air circulation thanks to the thin bars all around the sides.
Avoid glass tanks unless you absolutely need to use one, and make sure it has a mesh lid for breathability. Ensure that the lid is secured on the top or else your mouse may be able to pop it open and escape.
Stay away from cages made of wood since this material will absorb urine quickly. Your mouse might also be able to chew through the wood and get out or shred the cage to make a nest, leaving you with a huge mess to clean up. Something called voluntary mouse head fixation can cause your pet to learn how to tilt its head in order to escape from its case, so make sure the bars are durable and thin enough that they can’t maneuver through them.
Choose a Place for Your Cage
It’s best to choose a locked room for your mouse cage since these animals are known to be cunning escape artists. That way, if they do get out, they’ll still be secured to one room.
Try to put your cage in a room with plenty of natural light, but make sure you don’t place the cage right in direct sunlight. Too much light can cause the mice to overheat and stress them out.
It’s important to make sure that your other pets cannot enter the room where your mice are staying. Make sure your entire family understands the importance of keeping the mice secure and away from other animals in the home that may try to eat them.
Bedding, Water, and Food
Once you have the perfect sized cage, the right cage materials, and the perfect location, it’s time to set things up so your little buddy will be comfortable. Add around three inches of bedding to the bottom of the cage and use hay, shredded paper, or special shavings you can purchase at the pets store.
Bedding will keep the mouse’s cage insulated and give them shelter. Attach a water bottle to the side of the cage and fill it with clean water daily.
Place a small food dish on top of the mice’s bedding and fill it with the proper food made just for mice. You can also add a few extra items like a fun place for the mice to hide, an exercise wheel, and small toys to keep your new friends entertained when you’re away.
Mice Care Made Easy
Once you know how to properly set up a mouse cage, it can be a fun addition to your home and family. These little rodents are easy to care for but they do need to have a clean environment and the right food and water.
Choose cages made of plastic or metal and stay away from things like glass or plastic when possible. Make sure your mouse has enough soft bedding and food so they will enjoy their new home.
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