Are you a cat person or a dog person? That’s the question most people ask when they ask about pets. But if you really want to set up an interesting conversation about pets, ask somebody what they think about having a pet mouse.
Pet mice are fun little creatures when they’re kept as pets. They’re cute and they love to play just like other pets. Still, like any other pet, they require good shelter. It will not only help you in keeping your home clean but it keeps your pet mouse from getting hurt inside the house.
Just to make the space comfortable for the head mouse, you would need a pet mouse cage of about 1 cubic foot. Every additional mouse will be at least half of the initial size of the cage, about 0.5 cubic feet.
Though they are small, pet mice require big cages that allow them to roam around. Since they are social creatures, they thrive in open areas. However, since you are keeping them as pets, you need to get big cages so your pet mice can experience the safety of indoor housing and the freedom of a big play area.
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What Is The Best Cage Size For A Mouse?
There are no definite size limitations to what a pet mouse can have. However, size should be one of your biggest priorities when choosing a mouse cage. Pet mice hardly stay in one place. They will tend to move around in the cage.
Just to make the space comfortable for the head mouse, you would need a pet mouse cage of about 1 cubic foot. Every additional mouse will be at least half of the initial size of the cage, about 0.5 cubic feet.
The mouse cage also needs minimal space in between the bars. Mice tend to squeeze themselves into tight spaces. Even as you get the big cage for your pet mouse, look for a cage with small spacing. However, this will change according to the size of the mouse.
Top 3 cages for your pet mouse
Favola
Ferplast Favola Hamster Cage Includes Free Water Bottle, Exercise Wheel, Food Dish & Hamster Hide-Out Large Hamster Cage Measures 23.6L x 14.4W x 11.8H-Inches
$48.15 in stock
9 used from $34.26
This cage will feel like luxury accommodation for your pet mouse. It is a 2-floor cage that measures 23.60 x 14.40 x 11.80 inches. The base takes up 340 square inches with the mesh on the top deck spaced out at ¼ inch apart. The bottom floor is fully enclosed with no spaces.
That is excellent for hygiene since it gives you an easier time to clean. It is a see-through bottom floor so you can easily keep an eye on any build-up of droppings or food remains.
The cage is a complete package featuring a hamster and mouse-friendly wheel. Your mouse can spin around without snapping its legs. The top deck has neatly arranged feeding areas. The water bowl, feeding bowl and hiding area are well spaced to keep most of the bottom area dry if any spillage from the top deck happens. The cage is made of a material that the mouse can’t chew on.
You can detach the bottom level to the top for easy cleaning and laying out fresh padding after a while. The upper part is also exposed to fresh air so it will be easy for you to notice if the ammonia fumes become too much for your little mouse buddy. If you want to go above and beyond, the cage has extra accessories that you can attach for more play area.
MidWest Homes
MidWest Homes for Pets Hamster Cage | Awesome Arcade Hamster Home (White) | 18.11 x 11.61 x 21.26 Inch
6 used from $35.83
If the first cage impressed you, then this MidWest Homes is about to blow your socks off. This cage will have your pet mouse feel like they live in a prime area reserved for elite mice. It measures 18.11 x 11.4 x 21.5 inches with a ramp that connects the top and bottom decks.
The bottom deck has a pet spinning wheel that can be attached and reattached. It is also friendly for any other small pets. The bottom deck also has a hiding area that can serve as a sleeping area. It lays on the bedding material so the mouse can make it as comfortable as possible.
Savic Cage
Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Cage
If you are keeping a pair of pet mice, this is the perfect unit for them. This cage measures 31.50 x 20.00 x 20.00 inches. It also includes lots of tunnels and other accessories that give your pet more playroom.
Each side of the cage has a hiding house with a ‘porch’ where the mouse can play around. The spacing is perfect for small pets as it has just enough to keep the cage well-aired, comfortable and still safe for your mouse.
The bottom compartment is made from safe, easy to clean plastic. It is slightly curved like a trough. That should give you an easy time when you are doing your bi-weekly cleanup. The top has 2 handles that make it easy to transfer this cage to other locations.
While this cage does not come preassembled, it is easy to put together. You can make it a fun DIY project for you or for the family.
Why do you need a big cage for a pet mouse?
- Space
Mice are playful little creatures. If you are going to get a cage, you need to go with something that does not make the pet feel cramped. Otherwise, you risk the pet getting agitated and wanting a release. A distressed pet is definitely not a fun pet. Get a cage that allows you to add extra mice there if your mouse buddy needs a companion.
- Territory
This is especially if you own male mice. Male mice are aggressive creatures who love to mark territory. If you place two of them in a cage together, it better be big enough to accommodate them and reduce mouse on mouse violence. If you are keeping a male and female mouse, the cage should be big enough to accommodate possible baby mice. Mating is a real possibility with that pairing.
- Sanitation
Mouse urine contains a lot of ammonia. A build-up of it in its sleeping area can harm the mouse, causing it health problems. The mouse cage needs to be big enough to allow the mouse to have space where it can make a sleeping nest and a litter area. You can also put in a litter box. Only a big cage can accommodate all these additions.
How do you choose the spacing of the cage?
- 6-7 mm spacing
This is enough for the smaller mouse up to 15 grams. You can also get the same spaced cage for other small pets of the same category and space.
- 9 mm spacing
Medium sized mice are big enough to be comfortable in this kind of spacing. Dwarf hamsters are also kept in cages with the 9 mm spacing.
- 10-12mm
Although this is not the best kind of spacing, you might consider it for bigger pet mice. If it proves to be too spacious, you can still put in an extra layer of mesh above it for less access. However, just to reduce the burden, consider this spacing as the last option.
Is a 10-gallon tank big enough for a mouse?
Since you should buy mice in pairs, a 10-gallon tank is the smallest size tank you should keep your mice in.
Do mice like tall cages?
Yes, mice like tall cages because they like to climb and explore. Having hammocks, hideouts, ladders and ropes are all great for tall cages.
What size tank is good for 2 mice?
A 10-Gallon tank or a floor space of just over 1 square foot is the smallest size you should put two mice in.
Can a mouse cage be too big?
Yes, a mouse cage can be too big. If you have a large group of mice, and there is enough space for them to form separate social groups, you could end up with territorial fights. If you only have a couple of mice, you can’t have a cage that’s too big.
Conclusion: Mouse cage size
Getting a big mouse cage is not a luxury. Think of it as giving your mouse a great living area that gives you the comfort you need. The best type of mouse cage is a big cage with unchewable material such as steel and glass or clear plastic. Bigger cages will make your pet mouse comfortable and constantly on the move.
