Mouse cages and housing

Are you ready for your new job as a mouse housekeeper? Your first task is selecting a cage that's spacious and sturdy, and as comfortable and clean as possible. Once you've done that, it's time to add some safe cage furniture and provide enough spaces and places for your pets to climb and play.

Mice are social creatures, and a mouse by herself will be very lonely. Keep in mind, however, that adult males kept together have a tendency to fight. You'll do well with a pair or group of females from the same litter. A cage that's at least two feet long, one foot wide and one foot long will accommodate your pets. It's always nice to buy the largest, most well-made cage you can afford.

Mice cages – Glass vs. wire

Wire cages and glass aquariums are great choices for mice homes. Wire cages provide good ventilation and allow your pets to climb around the cage. The models with multi-levels and ramps are fun for mice and have plenty of floor space. If you do opt for a wire cage, please take care that the bars are close enough together to prevent injury or escape. Glass aquariums do not provide as much air circulation, but they're escape-proof, more durable and usually smell less than wire cages.

Take care when deciding on a location for the cage. A place that's not too noisy, not too hot and not too bright is just right. Avoid drafts, but be sure the room has adequate light and ventilation.

Accessories and linings

Once you've selected and set up the cage you'll need to make your pets' house feel like a home. Line the cage with an inch or so of aspen shavings or a pelleted bedding made from recycled paper. These materials are all clean, non-toxic and easy to clear away and replace. Stay away from cedar and pine shavings, as they can cause respiratory ailments.

Your mice will also delight in making a cozy bed for sleeping and napping, so be sure to provide a safe nesting material such as fresh hay, straw or shredded paper towels. You'll also need to designate an area in the cage where your mice can get some privacy. You can use a PVC pipe, empty tissue box or small flower pot for your mouse hideout.

For the finishing touch, provide proper toys for your pets. Most mice love to run, so be sure yours has a solid metal or plastic exercise wheel. No wire wheels, please, as tiny mice feet and tails can easily get caught in the openings. Ladders and branches from untreated, non-poisonous trees are perfect for climbing, and your mice will also enjoy tunneling through ordinary cardboard tubes from paper towels and through boxes with holes cut in them.

Cleaning the cage

To be a good mouse housekeeper, you'll need to remove soiled bedding, uneaten food and droppings every day. Change the bedding every couple of days, and clean the cage with hot, soapy water once weekly. Don't forget to wash your pets' toys and cage furniture, too.