Fancy Mouse

Provide a well ventilated tank or narrow barred cage with plenty of floor space, a minimum of about 45 by 30 cm for a small group and more where possible, with several centimetres of paper or aspen bedding for burrowing and nesting. Add a solid wheel of at least 15 cm, tunnels, hides, ropes and chew toys to use the vertical space they love. Use paper based bedding rather than pine or cedar, and clean regularly since mouse urine, especially from males, is strongly scented.

Feed a quality mouse or rodent seed and grain mix or lab block as the staple, with small amounts of fresh vegetables and occasional protein such as a mealworm. Constant fresh water from a bottle is essential. Scatter feed to encourage natural foraging and keep portions small, as mice are prone to obesity and selective feeding. Avoid sugary, fatty or sticky treats and any toxic foods such as chocolate and citrus.

Keep mice at about 18 to 24 degrees Celsius with good ventilation and low humidity, away from direct sun, draughts and heat sources. They are nocturnal and need quiet, dark days to rest. Their delicate lungs are sensitive to ammonia and dust, so ensure airflow and dust free bedding.

Mice are social and should not live alone: females live well in same sex groups, while adult males often fight seriously and are usually best kept singly or, with care, neutered before mixing. Introduce females young and provide plenty of space to reduce squabbles. They are small and fast, so handle gently and low over a container, using a cupped hand rather than grabbing.

Provide deep bedding for burrowing, a wheel, tunnels, ropes, ladders, cardboard and foraging toys to satisfy their acrobatic, exploratory nature. Scatter feeding and frequent new objects keep them mentally engaged. Nesting material such as plain tissue lets them build the cosy nests they instinctively make.