StoryBooks Pocket Pets

  ( AFRMA) The first written reference to non wild-type mice was in the Chinese Lexicon EhYah. In 1100 B.C. it recorded a word for what we know as dominant spotting. Archaeologists have also found Egyptian bowls and other artifacts dating from this same period of time which contain pictures of colored mice. The next written documentation of unusual mice was a reference to dancing (waltzing) mice in the annuals of the Han Dynasty. These mice were described as “yellow;” the record was made in about 80 B.C. 

 

Between A.D. 307 and A.D. 1641 China had a considerable increase in the interest in colored mice. During this time there were over 30 documented cases of white mice being taken out of the wild. In 1654 it was even recorded that when one particular Chinese Buddhist priest traveled to Japan, he brought with him his two pet mice (they were Black-Eyed Whites) 

Environment:

There are many different cages available for keeping mice as pets. One of the best kind is a glass terrarium with a wire top. When considering where to put your mouse cage, think about what problems could arise by putting it in different places. You shouldn't put it directly in front of a window, as sunlight tends to annoy mice and make them very uncomfortable. You also shouldn't put it where drafts are, because this also could result in sickness. Keep it up on a table or stand where it won't be easy to knock over, but where people will be able to readily reach and view it.
   Make sure they have a good soft bedding of carefresh litter. Corncob bedding obtained at pet stores works well as do bedding's made of recycled paper and cardboard. Wood bedding's provided by most major suppliers are simply kiln dried natural wood products,and mice tend to do poorly on this bedding. Wood shavings irritate the eyes and nose causing respiratory infections.  Chlorophyll bedding has chlorophyll added to give it a clean, fresh aroma. It is green and so not recommended for white small animals as it will discolor their fur. Mice need cages that are open with good ventilation, rather than enclosed containers. Cedar shavings should be avoided as it is more aromatic and there is concern by some that this or possibly the natural resins in cedar may be harmful. Some small animals can develop allergies due to the dust in moldy hay or in bedding.
   Mice are nest builders and will make nests from their bedding to sleep in and have babies in.
   For water, you can use a water bottle with a hanger that allows mice to get water whenever they are thirsty.
   Clean cages thoroughly with hot water at least once a week and change the bedding at least twice weekly.

Care and feeding:

   Mice need a completely balanced diet. This includes carbohydrates (whole oats, hay, stale bread), vegetables (lettuce, carrots, peas, etc), and protein (such as dog biscuits). An easy way to feed mice is to get the formulated mouse foods available at pet stores, which have all the vitamins and minerals that mice need.
   Mice do enjoy treats, and things such as fresh vegetables, sunflower seeds, cheese, jam, and fruit and grain bars from pet stores will be much appreciated. Feed them once a day in a small china or pottery dish and remove any uneaten fresh food at the end of the day. Clean the food dish thoroughly with hot water at least twice weekly.
   Mice also have constantly growing teeth, and so should be provided with something to chew on to keep them in good chewing condition. Hard nuts, such as acorns and walnuts work, and also flavored wood sticks from pet stores. Make sure that mice have a constant supply of water. Commercial water bottles are probably the best choice.

Social Behaviors:

   Mice are very sociable creatures and like to have company. One mouse can do fine as a pet, but they appreciate having friends of their own kind as well. Most mice get along fine with each other, but you should watch out putting males together for they will tend to fight, especially if females are present. Usually females can be put together with no ill effects.
   Mice are great with children, but they should be kept away from the other pets of the house (dogs, cats, birds). They should also be kept away from other rodents such as rats, because rats are their natural predators.

Handling and Training:

   Mice generally become tame pretty quickly and are easy to handle and hold. The best way to pick them up is to grab the middle of their tail gently and then place them in the palm of your other hand. If they are very familiar with you, you can pick them up directly.
   Mice can be taught simple tricks, such as taking food from your fingers once they are comfortable with you and even retrieving treats from your pocket. With lots of patience, they can learn even more sophisticated things such as climbing ladders, walking "tightropes", racing, and traveling through mazes. Of course, one of the best ways to train them to do simple tricks are to reward them with a treat every time they do something right.

Activities - Exercise and Play:
   Nocturnal by nature, mice usually spend more time sleeping during the day than at night.
   They are extremely active and love to exercise and play. Exercise wheels are great for mice because they will occupy their time and keep them healthy. You can purchase or make tubes, ladders, and climbing blocks also.
   Mice also like to chew. Not only is this beneficial to keep their always growing teeth trimmed down, it is a favorite activity. Be sure they have plenty of chews, sticks and twigs.
   They also like to hide, so giving them cardboard boxes or nest boxes will give them a place to go when they want to sleep. Of course they will probably also chew up their boxes, so be sure to replace them from time to time.
   Mice will spend quite a bit of their time sleeping!

Please also check out PocketPet Care