Mice as first pets, this is the reason behind my adoration of this species. When one of our own children turned an acceptable age to own their first pet, I immediately had other animals in mind. A dog was too much of a responsibilty at their age, and seemed a good idea, but I also knew just how temperamental they could be with small hands. Never thinking a mouse would be the best decision!
Mice on average have an 18-30 month life span. Now as this may seem rather short, it's a reasonable amount of time for bonding to a child wanting to take the responsibility on themselves of caring for their first pet.
Top Eight Questions asked of mice as pets: *All info provided below are Q/A acquired from my questions potential buyers have asked me, I am not a vet or an expert by any means. I have however; kept many mice of different types as pets since I was a kid. All of the info below is my opinion only.
1. How much time is involved in their caring? A. It takes about 25 min a week to clean out their cage, and not even 5 min daily to feed and give them water. Playtime and socialization for them with the owner, maybe 20 min a day, or a bit more. A simple wheel and a tunnel made from a papertowel roll keep them quite busy for exercise requirements.
2. Do mice bite? A. Any animal if frightened or feels threatened has a potential to bite. This includes a mom mouse protecting her babies, or a male mouse smelling another male mouse on your hands. However; mice are less often known for biting than an average dog. I know a few times I have attempted to purchase other little critters for my children. Just to have them afraid to hold them again if they even once were bitten, this was even during gentle handling. But I am also aware- it matters greatly on where you purchase these pets. Good breeding and care really do result in wonderful critters as pets. The mice I raise are handled often and gently. By both kids and adults. I make it a my largest priority to do so at a very young age, and take pride in breeding only the gentlest of mice. And in the time I have been caring for mice, I have never been bitten, and neither have my children or any other person who has held them in my home (of course any child of any age must be taught holding with kindness). This is a large reason why I want to get the information our about just how gentle and social mice are.
3. Do mice carry diseases that are spread to myself or kids? A. Domesticated mice are just as disease free as a cat or dog. Wild mice can carry diseases yes, so I would never suggest handling a wild mouse or anything wild at all for that matter. The primary way even wild mice catch a disease are from ticks, and mosquitoes to name a few. As long as you continue to keep your pet mouse a pet that's indoors, there is no cause for concern. And pet mice require no immunizations in their lifetime.
4. How expensive is it to own a mouse or two? A. You can have your pet mouse and all the supplies needed for less than $45. I prefer using a 10 gallon fish tank to house them, glass seems to be much easier to keep clean than a plastic cage, but this is my preference. Check my supplies page for all that is needed for your mouse.
5. Do you ship your mice to buyers? A. Absolutely not. I would never consider putting them through that stress of travel. I am willing however to meet halfway if its a considerably short distance for a small added fee.
6. What kind of bedding should I use? A. Cedar and Pine shavings are toxic to small animals. I use CareFRESH and timothy hay in my mice homes, along with recycled newspaper (toxic-free ink is used from my local newspaper company).
7. When are the baby mice weaned? A. Mice are weaned at 4 weeks. However; it depends on the mouse of what age they may leave to a new home. I make a habit of holding them until 5 weeks. Its unfortunately not up to myself, nor the buyer.
8. Do they make good pets? A. In my opinion YES. Its a matter of educating people how entertaining, and friendly pet mice can be! And best of all, they need no walks, and dont bark.
Venus- female satin mouse of 5 weeks, enjoys being held.