Wide and shallow aquariums are best because they will give your mouse plenty of room to run around and allow for better air circulation. [2] X Research source If you have other mice, you should buy a larger aquarium. Add . 5 cubic feet (0. 014 m3) of space for each additional mouse that will be living in the cage. [3] X Research source You should be able to find an aquarium at your local pet store.
Use a glass razor scraper to remove any tough hard-water deposits. Get the glass wet before scraping for best results. [5] X Research source
Sanitize your aquarium even if it has never been used. After cleaning and rinsing, let the aquarium air dry. Don’t use a bleach mixed with detergent to clean your aquarium. Detergents leave residue that may not be safe for your mouse.
Poor ventilation can cause health problems for your mouse. You can find a wire lid for your aquarium at your local pet supply store. The gaps in the wire lid should be no more than a 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm) apart. [8] X Research source Your mouse will be comfortable in a room with a relative humidity of anywhere between 40 – 70 percent. [9] X Research source
Avoid using cedar shavings in your mouse’s cage, as they can cause liver disease and respiratory problems in mice. The oils in pine shavings can also cause skin problems for mice.
Avoid using cotton wool and other fluffy bedding material. If swallowed, fluffy bedding material can cause harm to your mouse. Your mouse could also get tangled in fluffy materials that are difficult to break apart.
If you decide to use a cardboard box, make sure that it is free of ink. Inks can be toxic for mice. Some pet stores also sell small plastic domes that you could use as a house for your mouse. Small mouse huts vary in size and shape, but most are around 5 inches (13 cm) in length, 5 inches (13 cm) in width, and 3–5 inches (7. 6–12. 7 cm) in height.
Adding toilet paper and paper towel rolls would give your mouse some fun tunnels to hide in. Wooden boxes, shoe boxes, and empty oatmeal containers, in addition to a small mouse hut, would also be fun, interesting additions to your mouse’s home. You should not add a wire exercise wheel to your mouse’s aquarium home. Your mouse’s long tail can easily get stuck in the wire, potentially causing an injury. If you want to add a wheel to your mouse’s cage, buy a plastic exercise wheel.
If the cage begins to smell, you should increase the frequency of your cleanings. Use a pet-safe cleaner to clean the cage. You can find one at your local pet store.
You should also refrain from turning on any bright lights near your mouse’s cage.
Keep the temperature of the cage at 18–22 °C (64–72 °F). [17] X Research source Keep the relative humidity of the room anywhere between 40 – 70 percent. [18] X Research source These guidelines are especially important if you decide to keep your mouse in an aquarium instead of a wire cage.
