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Fancy mice can vary greatly in size, from small pet mice that are approximately 5–8 cm (2–3 in) long from nose to the proximal start of the tail, to show mice that measure 8 cm (3.1 in) nose to tail. Pet mice weigh about 29–44 g (1.0–1.6 oz). [citation needed]
African pygmy mice reach breeding age at about 6 to 8 weeks. Pregnancy lasts for around 20 days and the litter of about three young is born blind and hairless. Their eyes open after 2 weeks, and weaning is complete after 4 weeks. The lifespan is about 2 years, although individual specimens have been reported to live over 4 years in captivity.
Like pet rats, pet mice should not be left unsupervised outside as they have many natural predators, including (but not limited to) birds, snakes, lizards, cats, and dogs. Male mice tend to have a stronger odor than the females. However, mice are careful groomers and as pets they never need bathing. Well looked-after mice can make ideal pets.
When a man arrived at a New Hampshire animal shelter last week claiming he wanted to surrender 150 pet mice, the shelter was ready to take them in. But the problem soon became much more mouse-ive ...
Mice are good jumpers, climbers, and swimmers, and are generally considered to be thigmotactic, i.e. usually attempt to maintain contact with vertical surfaces. [citation needed] Mice are mostly crepuscular or nocturnal; they are averse to bright lights. The average sleep time of a captive house mouse is reported to be 12.5 hours per day.
1-day-old pups. Breeding onset occurs at about 50 days of age in both females and males, although females may have their first estrus at 25–40 days. Mice are polyestrous and breed year round; ovulation is spontaneous. The duration of the estrous cycle is 4–5 days and lasts about 12 hours, occurring in the evening. Vaginal smears are useful ...
Multi-pet homes can certainly pose a challenge, but there are some simple things you can do to help your fur friends get along.
Pet mice enjoy company and a hiding place. The domestication of small mammals to keep as pets is a relatively recent development, arising only after large-scale industrialization . Historically, Western society was more agrarian than today, with rodents as a whole seen as vermin that were carriers for disease and a threat to crops.