Social; females live in same-sex groups, males usually solo
Diet
Quality mouse/rodent mix plus occasional fresh food
Time
Daily feeding and checks; regular cleaning
Cost
Low
Overview
The fancy mouse is a small, agile and inquisitive rodent bred in many colours and coat types.
Mice are mainly nocturnal but active enough by day to make engaging, low-cost pets.
Their small size and short lifespan suit keepers who enjoy observation more than handling.
They are social and need careful group management, with males usually kept singly because they fight.
Housing
House mice in a gnaw-proof glass or barred enclosure of at least 50-60 litres with secure, narrow bar spacing, as they squeeze through tiny gaps.
Provide deep substrate for burrowing plus vertical climbing structures.
Add ropes, branches, tunnels, a small solid-surface wheel and nesting material.
Females live well in same-sex groups, but males usually fight and often need solo housing.
Keep enclosures clean, as mice can produce a noticeable odour.
Diet
Offer a quality mouse or rodent mix of seeds, grains and pellets, supplemented with occasional small amounts of fresh vegetables, fruit and protein such as a mealworm.
Scatter feeding encourages natural foraging.
Provide constant fresh water from a bottle.
Limit fatty seeds and sugary treats to prevent obesity.
A varied but controlled diet keeps these small, fast-metabolism animals healthy.
Health
Mice are prone to respiratory infections, so good ventilation and dust-free, ammonia-free bedding are important; avoid pine and cedar shavings.
Mammary and other tumours are common in older mice, especially females.
Watch for sneezing, weight loss, lumps and overgrown teeth.
Their short lifespan means health changes progress quickly, so seek an exotics vet early.
Regular gentle handling helps you spot problems sooner.
Temperament
Fancy mice are lively, curious and quick, often more interested in exploring than being held, though calm, regular handling can tame them.
Watching them climb, burrow and forage is the main appeal of keeping them.
Females are social and content in groups, while most males must live alone to avoid serious fighting.
Provide ample space and enrichment to reduce squabbles, and introduce new females carefully on neutral ground.
Beginner
Beginner
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate