Rats & Mice

Rats and mice are interesting little critters to keep as pets. Do not keep males and females of the same species together, unless you want babies! Two males together will fight unless they are brothers, so it is best to keep two females. They require a secure cage with a wheel for excercise, bedding and a place to hide, and suitable food and water.

Living area Food and nutrition Health

Living area

Rats and mice need to be housed indoors. A variety of homes are available for your little friends, from Habitrail Mouse Home sets to large multilevel rat cages. These come as a complete home with a large wheel, food bowl and water bottle.

Things to consider when choosing a cage:

The cage should have a range of climbing areas to encourage excercise, and it must be designed to prevent their escape and to resist gnawing.
Overheating (usually over 30 degrees Celsius) will distress your pet so ensure that there is good ventilation
For feeding, watering and cleaning purposes you will have to have access to all areas of the cage, including sleeping areas
When cleaning the cage use an aniomal safe hutch and cage cleaner spray. Do not use Household disinfectants as they can be harmful to the animal.
Bedding should consist of a material that provides warmth and can be changed regularly, such as wood shavings.
Water is best provided in a water bottle to ensure it stays clean
Rats and Mice need exercise so ensure there is an appropriately sized wheel in the cage.

Food and nutrition

Fresh, clean water must always be available
Feed Rat and mouse mix as their staple diet.
To keep their teeth from becoming overgrown and too sharp, give your pet things it can gnaw such as seed bars, which encourage natural foraging behaviour, or pellets
Provide fruit and vegetables several times a week

Health

Mice and Rats can be effected by common pet issues such as mites, lice and worms. This can be easily prevented or managed:

Mice and Rats should be sprayed weekly with small animal mite and mange spray. Remove the food from the enclosure and spray the whole thing including bedding, and the animal taking care to avoid the eyes.
Rats and Mice get intestinal worms just like any other mammal. Aristopet small animal worming syrup should be added to their drinking water every month. During worming time, this must be their only source of water to ensure they get the benefit of the Syrup.