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Fancy Mice
(I believe their still listed as Mus musculus, although they've
been bred in captivity so long they really should be classed
separate from their wild ancestors)
Description
Typically 13 to 20 cm long, but selective breeding has produced some
smaller mice, as well as big, beautiful "English" mice. The ideal
mouse should be long and somewhat racy, but show strong bone
structure, with a well arched loin. English type mice generally have
greater size, ears and tail length.
Diet
They should be maintained on a diet of lab blocks, and rat or mouse
mix, with bits of fruit or veggies regularly. Cheerios or wheat
bread are great treats, in small quantities. Do NOT feed chocolate,
fried foods, salted foods, candy or junk food! They may enjoy
crickets and mealworms as treats, but never too many. Vitamins, like
Nutri-Cal are a good addition to their diet, and added calcium
during nursing and growth due to demands on their systems at those
times, but take care not to overdo it. Water bottles should be used
to proved constant, clean water. Ceramic or stoneware food dishes
work well for keeping seeds or fresh foods off the floor, and a wire
mesh hopper that allows the mice to eat the lab blocks through
without them falling is also a good idea.
Habitat
Mice are very social, and should be kept in pairs or groups. Same
sex pairs are better, as you will not have a plethora of babies to
find homes for every month.
A ten gallon tank will house a pair very comfortably, but should
have some added play things, such as a wheel, tunnel, house or other
objects.
Bedding should be aspen, paper based, or hay. Try to avoid using
cedar or pine.
Special needs
Similar to rats, but they don't seem to require quite as much
attention. They do however need to have their cages cleaned out more
regularly as they tend to smell a bit more then rats do.
Mice are small animals that are easily scared by sudden movements
and loud noises, though they will become accustomed to being held if
you always remember to be gentle and quiet around them. Two mice
will keep each other company, but make quite sure they are not a
male and female to avoid unwanted babies. Many people prefer to keep
females as pets due to their less noticeable odor.
Until your mouse is used to being picked up try using a paper cup to
scoop her up and release her onto your hand. Small children should
be supervised when handling the mouse and reminded not squeeze too
tightly! If you have other pets, watch them carefully when your
mouse is out of the cage and never leave them alone in the same
room. Accidents happen!
Personality
Attitude - Friendly, alert, curious
Tam-ability - Excellent
Trainability - Good
Activity level - Fair to High
Vocal - If frightened they might squeak or grind their teeth,
sometimes squeak at play
Minimum owner's age - 6 (if supervised by an adult), 8 would be
better
Reproduction
Lifespan - 1 1/2 - 2 years
Maturity 4 weeks
Sexual maturity 2-3 months (may breed earlier, but should be
avoided)
Receptive - 2-3 day cycle, and post birth
Gestation 18-21 days
Infants show color pigment at 4-6 days
Infants can be handled within 2 weeks of birth
Infant eyes open at 16 days
Ready to wean at 4weeks
Mutations
Many, many colors and patterns have been discovered, and even more
pop up frequently. Fancy mice have even had coat and body mutations
that have been accepted by mouse clubs, including Hairless, Satin
(silky coat), Long hair, and Frizzie (curly coat).
Pet Status
Very common, although it is sadly more accepted as reptile food then
as a pets. A point of view that many fanciers would like to see
changed.
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