Housing Information

Basic Mouse Home Set-up

Wire, Plastic, or Glass:
  • preferred glass aquariums (min. 10 gallons)
  • any larger size is acceptable
  • wire tank expansions is available
Nest Box / Hide-away:
  • preferred long-lasting boxes for security
  • necessary for comfort, hiding, and sleeping
  • provide nesting material, like toilet paper
Bedding:
  • preferred paper-based or aspen products
  • avoid other wood type bedding
  • newspaper is a good alternative
Exercise Wheels:
  • preferred saucers or other solid surfaced
  • confirm safety of other products before use
  • clean as often as necessary

Cage Calculator

When determining how many mice you can fit in an enclosure, I use TFM's Cage Calculator.  Always remember that females should ideally be housed in a trio and never alone as they need company and companionship.  Males need the size equal to that of 3 females and MUST always be housed alone, no matter how large of an enclosure you give them. 
 

>> Some material to avoid using in mouse homes includes cotton and PVC pipe which can be deadly to their health. Safe materials to try are cardboard and non-colored Popsicle sticks.

Pay attention to habitat temperature. <<

Fabric that is safe is polar fleece or felt. Strings to use are hemp or jute. <<

>> Habitats should never be placed in direct sunlight or in line with a draft.

Entertainment:
  • wheels
  • boxes
  • ladders

  • toys
  • balls
  • chews
Safe Products from Other Animals:
(look for safe toys designed for other small pets)
  • birds
  • rats
  • reptiles

Exercise & Play

Mice are social and active creatures.
Mouse teeth never stop growing so toys for them to chew are essential.
Climbing is also a very fun source of entertainment so be sure to provide several levels for them to enjoy.
For comfort, add hanging hammocks or pockets from wire cage bars or mesh lids on top of aquariums.

Nursery Tanks

For accidental pregnancies or if in need of housing a nursing female - select a 10 gallon tank for mother (and/or fostering mother/nanny) and babies. Two low placed water bottles and larger food bowls should be placed to feed all mice. Larger but secure feeling nest box to fit every member should be introduced. One hole should be the only entrance an inch above the bedding to avoid babies straying from the nest. Extra bedding material should be provided for mothers. A wheel is great for pregnant and nursing mice and provides enrichment and exercise, but should be removed towards the end of pregnancy to avoid injuries to mom or babies. In the event of a large litter, mouse family should be moved to a larger tank at 3 weeks old. This process should be done with caution and in order to insure the least amount of stress for mom, remove her willingly from the tank so she won't see you moving her bubs.