Handling your pet mouse

So, there's a mouse in your house? Bet you can't wait to get to know all about your pet – and your furry friend is curious about you, too. Once your pet is settled in, you can begin to earn his trust and affection by getting him used to being handled.

Use food to welcome your pet mouse

Food treats are a great way to jump-start the hand-taming process. Start by slowly putting your hand in the cage and offering small bits of something your pet finds particularly delicious. (FYI, sunflower seeds and millet are notoriously effective bribe foods.) Now's a good time to talk calmly and softly, getting your pet used to your voice. Don't be surprised if your mouse decides to investigate your hand after his snack. If this happens, take care not to make any sudden movements that could frighten your pet.

How to pick up your mouse

When your mouse is comfortable accepting treats from you, you're ready to take the next step. To pick up your mouse, gently scoop him into the palm of your hand and grip tightly as you lift. You can also flank your mouse with both hands, cupping them together and securely lifting him up. That wasn't so bad, right? Conduct several two-minute handling sessions every day for a couple of weeks, and you're on your way to owning a hand-tamed mouse.

In the beginning stages of hand taming, however, it is best to hold your pet just above your lap or over a soft surface such as a pillow. An accidental fall, even from a seemingly insignificant height, can cause injuries.

Proper pet mouse care includes playtime

Once your mouse is hand-tamed, you'll be able to let him exercise out of the cage every day. These play sessions will keep him physically and mentally stimulated. You will absolutely need to supervise, however, and it's best to limit his "play room" to a fairly small mouse-proof space. That means you'll need to remove electrical cords and anything else your pet could, but shouldn't, chew on.

In return for your mouse's trust and cooperation during handling, you'll need to ensure that he's never picked up by someone who hasn't mastered the proper technique. A mouse should ever picked up by the end or tip of the tail, for example. And always make slow, deliberate movements when handling your pet. Quick, jerky motions or loud noises can easily scare him.