Fancy Mouse Care Guide

Space Requirements: 

When selecting a cage for your fancy mice, it's essential to consider their needs for space, ventilation, and safety. Wooden cages can absorb urine and tend to retain odors, making them less suitable for long-term use. For two mice, a cage with a minimum size of 80 cm x 50 cm of floor space and a height of at least 50 cm is recommended to ensure they have enough room to explore and play.

Wire cages are a great option, as they provide excellent ventilation and allow mice to climb, which they love. However, it's important to ensure that the spacing between the bars is no larger than 6 mm to prevent any escape attempts. Providing a suitable cage is vital for your mice's health and happiness.

Safe Bedding Options:

Choosing the right bedding for your fancy mice is crucial for their comfort and health. Hemp bedding, paper bedding, and dust-free wood shavings (avoid softwood, as it can be toxic to small pets) are all excellent options. These materials provide a safe, absorbent environment for your mice while minimizing odors.

It's important to avoid dusty and scented bedding, as the dust can irritate your mice's respiratory systems, and the fragrances can be harmful. To enhance their habitat, consider mixing in hay, which helps hold burrows, provides enrichment, and can be chewed to help grind down their teeth. Always ensure that the bedding you choose is free from harmful chemicals and provides a comfortable substrate for your furry friends to burrow and nest in. 

Same Species Companionship

Fancy mice are inherently social creatures that thrive on companionship from their own species. While male mice can sometimes be kept alone due to potential hostility towards their cage mates, our line has been selectively bred to promote peaceful cohabitation. Male mice from Squeak Peak can typically live harmoniously with one another, but in cases where bullying or fighting occurs, neutering may become necessary to maintain a peaceful environment.

Female mice, on the other hand, are naturally more peaceful and should be adopted in groups of three or more. This ensures that no mouse is left alone, especially as they age. I highly recommend maintaining a rolling group of females for optimal companionship. If you ever find yourself with a lone female mouse, please don't hesitate to reach out. I can help rehome her to someone with existing female mice or place her in our mouse "nursing home" where she will receive the care and companionship she needs. 

Food Requirements:

Fancy mice require a varied and balanced diet to thrive. Aim for a food mix that contains 12% - 15% crude protein, 5% - 8% crude fat, and under 10% crude fiber. Many off-the-shelf pet store foods lack the necessary variety and complete nutrients, so always check the nutrient percentages and the number of ingredients. Choose foods with the most variety, and remember that ingredients are listed in order of highest to lowest content. The first three ingredients make up the majority of their diet.

Be vigilant for allergies or intolerances in your mice. If you notice itchy "hot spots," reduce protein intake and eliminate common allergens like peanuts, sunflower seeds, and wheat.

Avoid hay-based diets, as mice are poor at digesting hay. While they can eat small amounts, a hay-based diet is only suitable for rabbits and guinea pigs.

Steer clear of mixes containing dried sweet corn, as they can cause digestive blockages.

Avoid mixes high in sunflower seeds due to excessive fat content.

Also, avoid mixes with significant corn products (ground corn, corn bran, corn gluten, etc.), as these are nutrient-deficient fillers. If these are listed among the top five ingredients, look for alternatives!

For your convenience, we offer our own handmade food mix, crafted with variety and complete nutrition in mind, taking common allergens into account.

Enrichment: 

Enrichment is essential for the physical and mental well-being of fancy mice. Providing a stimulating environment not only encourages natural behaviors but also keeps them engaged and happy. One key aspect of enrichment is the inclusion of exercise wheels. Ensure that the wheels are large enough so that your mice can run comfortably without their tails curling over their backs.

Creating an enriching habitat doesn't have to be expensive. You can use everyday items to enhance your mice's living space. Cardboard boxes with holes cut into them make for excellent hideouts and tunnels. Cardboard tubes can be hung on twine for climbing or balancing exercises, while old clothes can be repurposed into cozy hammocks. Additionally, dog ropes can be suspended for added play and climbing opportunities.

Aim to fill your cage with various enrichment items, ensuring there are no open spaces. A well-furnished cage not only provides entertainment but also helps reduce stress and promotes overall health. Be creative with your choices, and remember that a diverse environment allows your mice to express their natural instincts, leading to happier and healthier companions.

Vet Care:

Just like cats and dogs, fancy mice may require veterinary attention, especially as they age. While they do not need regular check-ups, it is crucial for owners to conduct weekly health checks. During these checks, observe their teeth, feel their bellies, and gently palpate their bodies for any lumps or abnormalities.

Mice are prone to various health issues, including respiratory infections, tumors, and cysts, and they can even catch a cold from you if you are sick. If you notice anything concerning during your health checks, it is essential to contact a veterinarian experienced with small animals. Being proactive about your mice's health will help ensure they live long, happy, and healthy lives.

Handling: 

Proper handling is essential for the well-being of your fancy mice. Always remember that you should never lift a mouse by its tail, as this can cause injury and stress. Instead, gently scoop them up using both hands, supporting their body fully to make them feel secure.

When handling your mice, allow them to come to you at their own pace. Spend time getting them accustomed to your presence and voice, which will help build trust. Gradually introduce them to being held, ensuring that each experience is positive and calm. This will encourage friendly behavior and help them feel safe in your hands.

Creating a comfortable and safe environment during handling will foster a strong bond between you and your mice, making interactions enjoyable for both parties.

Taming: 

Mice from Squeak Peak come to you already tame and accustomed to people and handling. However, transitioning to a new environment with unfamiliar smells, sounds, and a new cage can be daunting for these small creatures. To help your mouse adjust to their new home, give them 3-5 days without attempting to touch or handle them. This time will allow them to feel more comfortable in their surroundings.

Avoid taming your mouse by offering treats directly from your hands, as their eyesight isn't great, and they may associate your fingers with food. Instead, use a spoon to offer treats, promoting a safer and more positive interaction. If your mouse is hesitant to climb onto your hand, place your hand flat in their cage. Mice are naturally curious, and with patience, they will likely start exploring and climbing up on their own.

If after a few days your mouse is still reluctant, you can try placing them in a tall box with bedding and sprinkled food. Put your hand in the box and wait for about five minutes. After this time, slowly lift your hand a few inches at a time. After another five minutes, you can lift your hand completely out of the box. By this point, you should have mice eager to climb up onto you, creating a positive bond and encouraging friendly behavior.

Adding Mice To Your Existing Group:

When introducing new mice to your existing group, it's essential to do so in a controlled and careful manner. Start by plugging your bathtub and placing a towel on the bottom to create a safe space. Generously sprinkle food around the towel and place all the mice in the tub at once. Leave them there for about an hour to allow them to explore and interact without the stress of territory claims.

After an hour, begin adding in thoroughly cleaned toys. It's crucial to ensure there are no residual scents from the existing group on these toys to prevent territorial disputes. Use this time to deep clean the cage, changing the bedding entirely and sanitizing the enclosure with a vinegar and water solution. Change the layout of the cage completely to create an unfamiliar environment for both the new and existing mice, eliminating any claimed territories.

During the initial introduction, some squeaking and small squabbles are normal, as long as no blood is drawn. Monitor their interactions closely, and once you see the mice cuddled up together in the bathtub, it's time to transfer them into the freshly prepared cage. This approach will help create a harmonious living situation for all your mice.