Mice are one of the easier pets to take care of since they are low-maintenance and great for beginners. With a life span of about 1-3 years (the better you care for them the longer they thrive), they are intelligent and charming. Unlike dogs (for example), mice do not require one to provide them with walks or one-on-one activities. Instead, mice do fine with a good sized cage and a wheel. However, mice do require respect and a safe, happy home environment like animals of all shapes and sizes.

A medium/large sized cage made specifically for mice in mind. From 12 or so years of mouse experience, I would actually suggest a fish tank (at least a 10 gallon aquarium will do) instead of a wired cage as mice can be easily hurt by the wires; Especially as the cage ages and rusts (not to mention if the wires bend even a tiny bit, mice can easily slip out and escape.) But be sure that you provide a secure lid, such as mesh wire, that offers no chance to escape or other animals to enter and harm your mice. And most importantly, be sure the lid allows plenty of oxygen to prevent suffocation.

A proper sized mouse wheel so your mice get all the exercise they need-and more. Keep in mind that within a short while these wheels begin to squeak and many find this a constant annoyance. Here I suggest buying plastic wheels as they are silent.

Pine and cedar free bedding as the oils in pine and cedar are toxic for mice (and all other small pets.) I go with the Carefresh brand Pet Bedding. It is environmentally friendly and biodegradable. It even comes in fun different colors! I've personally used this same bedding for my pets for 6 years and I have no complaints about it.

A water bottle. I've always gone with the metal tipped bottles with the little metal ball in the end (and have a bad experience from using a pet bottle without the ball.) Check frequently to make sure the water isn't blocked in the tube by debris such as food or bedding. I advise you not to use dishes/bowls for their water source as the water quickly becomes contaminated from urine and feces. Also, smaller mice especially drown in open, floor level water dishes.

Safe chew items made for mice from pet stores. Chew treats are good to give your mice frequently to satisfy their chewing needs. I liked to give mine the little mouse wood blocks & the like.

Mouse Food. Give your mice food made specifically for mice. Rat food is different and contains the nutrient amount needed for rats. Mice and rats are different animals and therefore have different nutritional needs. It is best to also give rinsed carrots and normal green leafy lettuce chopped into tiny bits on a regular basis. (Avoid romaine lettuce.)

A food dish that isn't too big or too small. It should be just a couple inches by a couple inches and not more than 2 inches deep. *Remember that when you clean the cage to also clean the water bottle and food dish.

A little mouse igloo or hut from the local pet store. It is very important that the mice have a place to sleep and feel safe.

*All of the above is the minimum requirement of everything you have to have when owning mice. Of course you can put some fun mouse toys in the cage for them but it is important that they have sufficient room to run and explore.*

Now all you have to do is sit back and enjoy them! Clean their cage every week and make sure they have plenty of fresh food and water every day. Don't forget to inspect the cage daily to make sure they can't escape or get hurt by anything.

Important things to know:

• It is best to have at least two mice. Mice are very social animals and are not as happy when isolated. But be positive on the gender when you purchase them! Mice breed rapidly and easily (even if related to eachother!), therefore make sure you don't wind up with a male and a female.

• Do not think that even the smallest of holes don't matter. Rodents are quite the contortionists! To prevent harm and/or loss, check the cage to make sure your mice have no ways of escaping.

Here are some helpful tips to remember:

• Clean and dry the cage thoroughly and replace the bedding every week. Make sure that when you clean the cage you rinse it off well before drying so no soap can be ingested by the mice.

• Mice are not blood-thirsty or necessarily violent, but if your hands smell like food then they can nip or bit your fingers. So it is best to wash your hands before (and of course after) handling.

• Mice are small and delicate, so be careful not to drop them or squish them while picking them up or holding them.

• Mice aren't necessarily a pet to pick up and handle all the time but you can for brief periods here and there. Most people pick them up by their tails: Personally I don't do this. Instead, I calmly and slowly put my hand over them and using my fingers, sweep them up from under their feet so that my hand is somewhat "cupping" over the mouse, and then I gently place them in the palm of my other hand. Know that they can leap out of your grasp at any moment!

• Mice are nocturnal animals, which means they are up in the evening and night.

• Prey by nature, a good percentage of predatory animals feed on them in the wild and they still fall victim to predatory instinct in the home! So if your home also includes snakes, cats, dogs etc., be sure to keep the mice safe by putting them to where no other pet can get ahold of them.

What to expect:

Mice are overall very fun to have and easy to care for. They are playful and social with one another and contrary to their size they are very bright creatures. Don't think only kids like mice. Mice put a smile on faces of all ages!

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