Basics

Feeding and watering

The staple diet of mice in the wild is starchy seeds, such as grains, rice and millet. Given the chance, mice would eat most types of foodstuffs, some of which can be harmful.

Commercially produced complete food, specifically made for mice is a good choice, and you can add small amounts of fruit and vegetables to this. If you feed another type of rodent food, such as those for hamsters, the mouse may pick out a favourite seed, which can cause an unbalanced diet.

Put the food into solid containers that the mouse cannot easily tip over. Water must be provided at all times. A sipper bottle is best but you can use a small ceramic bowl but again it should be solid enough to avoid being tipped over. Check the sipper bottle regularly for leaks and airlocks. The average water intake of an adult mouse is about 4ml per day.

Remember that food and water containers should be changed every day.

Mice need a varied, well-balanced diet to stay in good condition and fresh food also provides additional interest.