Fancy Mouse

Description: The most common variety of pet mouse is the Fancy Mouse. What makes them so fancy? Well, funny enough, the fancy mouse is actually a domesticated version of the wild house mouse. Like many rodents, pet mice get a bad reputation for being considered
"dirty" and "gross." In reality, mice are very intelligent, inquisitive, and interactive. They are not overly messy, and are less likely to bite than some other species. Given time to get used to their new home, pet mice make fantastic additions to the family.

Species: Fancy Mouse

Normal Pet Size at Maturity: Fancy mice grow up to 2 to 3" (5-8 cm), not including their tail

Average Lifespan: They live for approximately 2 years.

Basic Diet: For detailed feeding information, check out the care & feeding section of our Mouse Care Guide! A pelleted mouse diet is the most complete diet option for your pet. Fresh vegetables should be offered everyother day in addition to the pelleted diet to increase variety into the diet as well as to help supplement hydration. Fruit can be offered once a week as a treat. In addition to regular feedings, mice need things to gnaw on, like wood chew sticks, to keep their teeth at an appropriate length so they can chew and eat normally.

Habitat Necessities: for full details, see the
setting up a mouse habitat section of our care guide! Place the habitat out of direct sunlight in a low humidity area that's between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and not in a high-traffic or loud area. Line the habitat with an appropriate amount of clean bedding (about 1" deep). Your mouse's habitat should include hides where it can play, rest and chew. Don't forget your enrichment! Place your exercise wheel, your chew(s), toys, hides and any other enrichment items into the habitat.

Does this Pet Need a Roommate? Mice can be territorial. If housing mice together, make sure there are plenty oftoys, bedding, and bowls in a spacious cage to prevent fighting.

Minimum Enclosure Size: habitat sized 200 square inches or larger (multilevel home preferred)

Safety Tips for You and Your Pet: It is recommended to closely monitor any new pet for 30 days in their own enclosure to observe signs of illness, prevent the spread of potential diseases, and to limit stress while your pet acclimates to their new home. All new pets should be seen by a veterinarian within 14 days of purchase to establish care and discuss a health and wellness plan. All animals can potentially carry viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases contagious to humans. Thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after contact with any pet or its habitat. Adults should assist children with hand washing after contact with a pet or its enclosure. Use caution when handling pets, and remember they may bite or scratch, especially when stressed.

Vet Assured: Pets purchased at PetSmart are part of our exclusive Vet Assured program, designed by PetSmart veterinarians to help improve the health and well-being of our pets. Our vendors meet a high standard in caring for pets and screening them for common illnesses, including Zoonotic diseases. This program also includes specific standards for in-store pet care.

When to Contact a Veterinarian: In addition to regularly scheduled appointments, contact your small animal veterinarian if you notice the following signs: cloudy, sunken or swollen eyes wheezing sneezing; discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth over grown front teeth drooling inability to close mouth, food falling from mouth frequently not eating bare patches in the fur sores or swelling⁄changes to the feet weight loss; not eating or drinking normallydiarrhea or discolored droppings

The PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14-day period, or if you're not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.