Mice

Mice are fascinating rodents that have an average lifespan of two-to-three years.

Like all pets they rely on us to give them the things they need to be healthy and happy, in return for the enjoyment they give to us.

All animals, including mice, need five things to be healthy and happy:   

• Mice need a suitable environment (the place where they live) 
  
  
• Mice need a suitable diet 
  
  
• Mice need to be able to perform normal behaviour 
  
  
• Mice need company from other mice 
  
  
• Mice need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease

These are called the five welfare needs and under the Animal Welfare Act (2006) all owners need to provide these five things for the pets they keep. The following sections give information on how to care for mice, and how we can meet their five welfare needs to ensure they stay healthy and happy.