Mice

Mice are one of the smaller breed of the rodent family. Mice can be used as pets as their activities are very interesting and entertaining to watch. They are naturally very active and considered as ‘busy bodies’. Having a mice as a pet is a brilliant idea, as they neither need too much space nor too much expensive. Mice are related to rats and are a member of the ‘'Muridae Family'. Mice can grow up to 14-22cm long (including their tail) and can be weighing between 28-65 grams. Their average life span is about 2-3 years

Scientific Information
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Rodentia
Super family:	Muroidea
Family:	Muridae
Genus:	Mus
Subfamily:	Murinae

Physical Attributes: Mice are small and slender. The tail is as long as the head and body combined. The fur color ranges from white to brown to gray. Most mice have large incisor teeth with long whiskers, large ears, and thin tails.

Reproductive System: Age of Sexual Maturity: Males: 3-5 weeks; Females: 4 weeks Breeding onset is at about 50 days of age in both females and males, although females may have their first estrus at 25-40 days.

DIET
It's best to feed block or pellet feed and supplement each day with a few fruits and veggies during outside playtime. Block or pellet feed ranges from $3 to $10, depending on bag size, and lasts longer than the seed and berry mixes. Here are some good choices for fruits and veggies: broccoli, peas, carrots, berries, apples, grapes, and bananas. Rats also enjoy unsweetened cereals. Nuts in shells are great specialty treats but should not be fed often since they are high in fat. For instance, each Christmas my rats received a few walnuts to play with. They make great puzzles as well as snacks.

Bedding
Never use cedar or pine bedding for your rats as it can be toxic. Most pet stores carry Care fresh bedding which is bio-degradable, absorbent, dust-free, and controls odors. Aspen bedding is also safe and is less expensive than Care fresh.