Top 5 Types of Pet Mice: What Type of Mice Do You Have?

Top 5 Types of Pet Mice: What Type of Mice Do You Have?

Mice are often considered small pets. Fancy mice belong to the species Mus musculus. It is easy to care for them, and it is entertaining to observe their movements. According to the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (AFRMA), mice have different varieties. Here we’ll discuss the top 5 types of pet mice. Do let us know what kind of mice you have.

Top 5 Types of Pet Mice: What Type of Mice Do You Have?

This article discusses and advises you on the best mouse for you. We have discussed the top 5 types of pet mice to help you better understand their habitat, lifestyle, etc.; this will help you decide what you want to go for. Please read below to learn about the top 5 types of pet mice.

Why Do You Need to Own a Pet?

Owning a pet has multiple benefits for health and the environment. Owning a pet increases our activity, exercise, walks, etc. We often take pets for a stroll in the evening. Studies also suggest that having pets helps lower blood pressure and relieve anxiety and cholesterol levels. They also reduce our feelings of depression and loneliness.

Top 5 Types of Pet Mice According to Appearance

1- Agouti mice

Agouti mice, which make up the top 5 types of pet mice, are brown with a mix of black, gray, and orange. The shade depends on the amount of hair on their body. The eyes are black in color.

There are multiple types of Agouti mice, such as Blue Agouti, which have bluish fur and black eyes. In contrast, Cinnamon Agouti has copper or golden brown fur. Another species is the Argente Agouti, which has pink eyes that are genetically altered.

Size

Their weight ranges from 6.6 lbs to 13 lbs, measuring body length at approximately 19 and 25 inches. The tails of these pet mice also range between 2 and 2.4 inches. They are somewhat bulkier than other types of pet mice. Females tend to be larger than males.

Habits

They eat vegetables, nuts, fruits, and insects. They tend to bury the food to store for when the diet becomes scarce as hen’s teeth. They prefer to stay in a forest environment.

Usually, these mice from the list of top 5 types of pet mice are nocturnal and are active during late hours. They tend to live in small groups and hide when they feel threatened.

Reproduction

The gestation period in Agouti mice is three months. The male mouse sprays urine several times for the pregnancy to occur. Research suggests that they can mate throughout the year. The young ones can see at birth and get a move on, as they are born to evade predators.

Further read: Are Rats Good Pets? (Updated Guide)

2- Self Mice

Among the top 5 types of pet mice, these mice have no ticking in their fur. Their hair is smooth and has a uniform color. These mice also have varieties in their color scheme, such as black mice have black fur and eyes.

Chocolate has brown hair like that of milk chocolate. These also have black eyes. Blue mice also have black eyes, also known as gray, as their fur has a warm, dark slate color that is neither too dark nor too light.

Dove mice are black mice that are genetically modified to have pink eyes. Lilac mice are modified to have pale pink fur that turns brown as they age.

3- Tan mice

Tan mice in the list of the top 5 types of pet mice can carry any of the above agoutis or self-colors. They also have a variety of colors. These also tend to have a bright orange tummy.

The main difference between the mice, as mentioned above, and tan mice is on the upper part, which is their color. In these mice, the orange color only covers the white area.

4- Pointed Mice

These mice on the top 5 types of pet mice list have a fixed color and can be identified by holes in their noses, hands, and legs. These areas show their natural color. Although the color change is gradual rather than a sharp differentiating line, it is evident when the underlying color is dark.

5- Patchwork Mice

There are a variety of mice under the category of “patchwork mice” in the list of the top 5 types of pet mice. Splashed mice have two shades of colored blotches on the fur. 

The flaws can be regular, with clear and prominent edges, or some can naturally blend in with the fur. Similarly, Merle has a similar color to that of dogs. It has two-tone patches, and the fur is ticked with silver.

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Types of Pet Mice According to Coat Varieties

Hairless

These mice either have no hair or have hair that grows and sheds. They can also have patches of hair. They have multiple names according to the color of fur, skin, and traits of the genes. 

Hairless mice also have health issues as they keep the body warm without insulation. This keeps on burning calories. They are also prone to eye infections in the absence of eyelashes.

Frizzy Hair

Frizzy-hair mice have curly hair. These tend to uncurl as they age. These are also prone to eye infections if they have densely curled eyelashes. They have twisted whiskers that help to sense their surroundings. Loss of whiskers in them also means sensory impairment.

Long Hair Mice

As the name suggests, these mice from the top 5 types of pet mice have long hair. The coat feels sparse and soft as silk. The amount of hair increases with age giving them a shaggier look.

The longer the hair, the more health concerns arise as they cannot clean themselves. It also stops the chances of spotting an abnormality at an early stage.

Short Hair

Short hair is the standard fur type that a fancy mouse has. Their coat is glossy and smooth. Also, the hair is straight and short. The hair tends to stand erect if the mouse becomes angry.

Unlike others in the list of top 5 types of pet mice, short hair mice are easier to examine for problems and can express themselves easily.

Care for the top 5 types of pet mice

Pets are entertaining to watch and have around. Mice as a pet have fewer demands from their owners. Initially, it is hard to handle them, but they become comfortable if handled correctly. 

The mice with long tails and rounded ears have less fur. They require quality rodent food and habitat cleaning timely for affection. The mice are nocturnal animals and are active during the night.

Food for the Pet Mice

Formulated rodent formulas contain 16% protein, 4% fat, and 18% fiber. The bags have instructions on how to make the formula and how much to feed at once. When mice are awake, they tend to graze on fruits, vegetables, etc. it is advisable to keep a bowl of their feed full in their cage.

Mice can also eat seeds, grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and broccoli. You can discuss the amount and frequency of these foods with your veterinarian. These foods can be given in a specific quantity depending on the mouse’s activity, size, and age. The best time to feed them is in the evening, as they’re alive and kicking.

Housing for the Pet Mice

Pet mice can house multiple things. It mostly depends on how many mice you want to accommodate in a particular box or cage. A wire cage with a solid bottom is best because it lets air circulate better than a plastic cage.

But make sure the cell is pressed against the wires, so the mouse stays put in the spaces. 

A determined mouse will chew the plastic for an easy escape. Hence, plastic cages are not an option. But a fish tank can be used if the top is made of mesh to let air pass for ventilation. A 10-gallon aquarium can house up to four mice conveniently.

Mice are fond of activities. Providing them with wood chew blocks, exercise wheels, cotton ropes, and paper towels may keep them busy while you’re away.

The cage or aquarium should have a nest where they can feel safe from the environment. One important thing is to avoid exposing the cell or mouse to direct sunlight.

Winding Up – Top 5 Types of Pet Mice

Having mice as a pet is considered fancy; they are not categorized into breeds, unlike dogs and cats. Pet mice are cute little companions that do not require a lot of space. Go for a clean-coated, pink-skinned mouse when you get a pet mouse.

Ensure the mouse is free of any disease and all body areas are clean and dry. They are usually quiet and open to adaptability. If handled carefully, they are loving and lovable. However, mice are fragile and demand a gentle hand.

On the other hand, they don’t live too long. Do let us know what type of mouse you plan to adopt. Visit ownyourpet to learn more.

Photo of author

Frank Kane

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been head-over-paws for all creatures, great and small. I’m on a mission to help other pet lovers better understand, care for, and enjoy life with their furry, scaly, or feathery friends.