Varieties of Mice

Mice species include the fancy mouse, dormouse, harvest mouse, deer mouse, wood mouse, and other varieties, but only a few species are actually domesticated and kept as pets. The fancy mouse, which is just another name for the common house mouse, is by far the most common type kept as a pet.

Physical Characteristics of Mice

Because of their diminutive size, Mice are classified as small mammals in the pet world. Their bodies are generally 3 to 4 inches in length with hairless tails that are almost as long as their bodies. This is because their tails are used to help with balance, which makes them agile climbers. Colors and patterns vary significantly for domesticated Mice and include solid colors as well as splotchy patterns in gray, brown, black, and white. The life span in captivity is relatively short at 1.5 to 2 years on average with some Mice occasionally living 3 to 4 years, but this is rare.

Behavior of Mice

Mice kept as pets are usually friendly and sociable, but they're still nocturnal animals with higher levels of activity at night. They're curious and good-natured, and many pet owners find they can have a lot of fun with them. If you want more than one mouse as a pet, however, you should raise them together from the time they're young, as adult Mice can be territorial and even violent if another mouse is introduced.