Pet Mice: Understanding The True Cost Of These Tiny Companions

Pet mice are an inexpensive option for those looking for a new companion, typically costing between $2 to $15 each. They are social and intelligent creatures that can be trained to do tricks and get along well with their owners. Mice are also low-maintenance, requiring minimal space and feeding costs. However, they do need regular veterinary care, which can be expensive if they get sick. The upfront costs of owning a mouse include the price of the mouse, a cage, water bottles, food dishes, and toys, which can range from $100 to $150. Monthly costs for two mice, including bedding, food, and toy replacements, average around $50, with an additional $20 set aside for potential vet visits. Overall, pet mice are a fun and affordable pet option for those looking for a small, low-maintenance companion.

Initial costs: $5 to $15 per mouse

The initial cost of buying a pet mouse is incredibly cheap. Mice are among the most plentiful rodents on Earth and they breed very fast, so the initial cost of buying one is low. You can buy mice for around $2 to $15 each, with the price depending on the variety of mouse. For example, the shinier or longer the fur and the more interesting the marks, the more it will cost to buy. Typically, a pet mouse costs $5 to $15 if it's not a rare variety.

It's important to buy mice from breeders rather than pet stores. Pet stores breed mice in a half-hearted manner and are more interested in costlier pets. Breeders, on the other hand, know a lot about their mice and can give you more information about your mouse's history.

Do keep in mind that if you're buying female mice, you should get at least two as they are very social animals and enjoy the company of another mouse.

Ongoing costs: $10 to $20 per month for two mice

Mice are social animals and are best kept in pairs or small groups. The ongoing costs of keeping two mice are estimated to be $10 to $20 per month. This includes the cost of bedding, food, and toy replacements. Bedding should be changed weekly, and the most affordable option is aspen bedding, which can be made more comfortable by mixing it with a bit of fleece. Other types of bedding that can be used include tintless paper shredding and soft hay.

The diet of a mouse can consist of seeds, grains, vegetables, and fruits, and some meat that can be found at home. A well-balanced mouse diet consists of high-quality mouse food or lab blocks and limited amounts of grain, vegetables, and fruits. Vegetables and fruits that are not eaten within 24 hours should be discarded. A limited amount of grain, vegetables, fruits, or Timothy hay can be given daily but should not exceed 10% of their total diet. Mice also require plenty of wood chew sticks or mineral chews to maintain their incisor teeth, which grow continuously.

Mice are very intelligent animals, and it is important to provide them with toys to keep them mentally stimulated. Toys can include hideouts, bridges, tunnels, exercise wheels, and chew toys. In total, you can expect to spend around $10 per month on toys for two mice.

Vet costs: $200 set aside for emergencies

Mice are social animals, so you'll need to purchase multiple mice. This increases the amount of space required, which in turn increases costs. It's recommended to buy mice of the same gender to prevent breeding. Male mice should be neutered to prevent them from marking their territory, which can be done inexpensively.

Mice are intelligent and require mental stimulation, as well as physical activity to prevent obesity and other health issues. They also require a lot of gear, which can be expensive. The cage alone can cost $40 or more, and you'll need to purchase food, bedding, and toys. The monthly cost of owning a mouse isn't usually expensive, but you should still budget for vet bills.

Taking your mouse to the vet shortly after purchasing them is a good idea to ensure they are healthy. This visit will likely be inexpensive unless your mouse has health issues. However, if your mouse gets sick, you can expect to pay a substantial amount for vet care. Not all vets will see mice, so it's important to find one in your area who treats mice.

The average cost of a mouse vet visit can vary. One source suggests that $30 is the average cost for a rodent vet visit, while another source states that they couldn't find anything less than $65. It's worth asking if the vet can cut a deal.

Due to the variability in vet costs, it's a good idea to set aside $200 for emergencies. This will help ensure that you're prepared for any unexpected vet bills.

Cage costs: $30 to $50 for a basic cage

The cost of a cage for your pet mouse will be one of your primary concerns. A basic cage for your mouse will cost you $30 to $50. You can, of course, spend a lot more if you want to get fancy. A high-end cage can cost up to $150.

The type of cage you choose will depend on your preferences and budget. You can select from wired metal cages, plastic containers, or glass tanks. Modular plastic cages designed for hamsters can also be suitable, but they can be challenging to clean and may have poor ventilation. A determined mouse might even chew through the plastic.

If you opt for a wired cage, ensure the bar spacing is narrow enough that your mouse can't squeeze through. Horizontal bars and multiple levels are ideal for providing climbing opportunities. Avoid cages with wire floors; solid flooring is much better for the mice's feet.

A 10-gallon aquarium with a secure mesh top or a similarly-sized wire cage should be suitable for one to four mice. Remember that the size of the cage you need depends on how many mice you plan to keep together.

When choosing a cage, it's important to consider the minimum size requirements for your mice to have enough space to move around, climb, and stand up. The recommended minimum size for a cage is 60cm (24 inches) wide x 50cm (20 inches) long x 30cm (12 inches) tall.

Additionally, the bar size is crucial. If the bars are too small, your mouse won't be able to grip them properly, and if they're too big, your mouse might escape or hurt itself. Make sure the space between the bars is no more than the width of your little finger.

Food: $10 per month for two mice

The cost of food for two pet mice is around $10 per month. Mice are omnivores, so they eat both meat and plants, but their optimal diet consists mainly of commercial mouse food complemented with fresh fruits and vegetables. You can buy bags of mouse food online or in pet shops. It is more economical to buy in bulk. As for fruits and vegetables, they don't need a lot, and they can eat most of the fruits and vegetables that humans eat. You can simply feed them small parts of whatever fruits and vegetables you're eating yourself.

Mice also need to have a constant supply of fresh water. Using a water bottle attached to the enclosure is ideal, as it's easy to keep sanitary. But you should also keep a water dish in the enclosure until you're sure the mouse is using the bottle. Refresh the water daily.

The primary ongoing costs for pet mice are their food and bedding. On a monthly basis, plan to spend around $20 to $30. You'll also need to replace chew toys and other worn items in the habitat, which will cost around $20 on average.

Frequently asked questions