Fancy mouse
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[[Image:Fancy Mouse.jpg|thumb|A tame black fancy mouse]]
'''Fancy mice''' ("fancy", in this context, means "hobby") are [[domesticated]] breeds of the common or house mouse (''[[Mus musculus]]''). The terms fancy and "[[House Mouse#Mice and humans|feeder mice]]" are often used interchangeably by retailers, and are in fact the same variety of mouse.<ref>[http://www.rmca.org/Resources/mousefaq.htm the Rat and Mouse Club of America]</ref>
== Physical description ==
Fancy mice is a term to describe mice that have been selectively bred for pet or for show. They can vary greatly in size, from small pet mice that are approximately {{convert|16|-|18|cm|abbr=on}} long from nose to the tip of the tail, to show mice that measure {{convert|30|cm|in|abbr=on}} nose to tail. Pet mice weigh about {{convert|25|-|40|g|abbr=on}} but large show mice can weigh up to {{convert|100|g|abbr=on}}.
Human-directed artificial selection in fancy mice has created a variety of colors and patterns. These include black, chocolate, blue, white, cream, lilac, red, fawn, champagne, cinnamon, golden agouti, silver agouti, silver and dove.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nationalmouseclub.co.uk/standards.html | title = "The National Mouse Club Breed Standards" | accessdate = April 30 | accessyear = 2007 }}</ref> All mouse standards fall into one of five categories: Selfs (one solid color all over), Tans (mice of one solid color on the top with a tan belly), Marked either in Even or Broken patterns (spotting of a standard color on a base of white) and a miscellaneous category.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nationalmouseclub.co.uk/standards.html | title = "The National Mouse Club Breed Standards" | accessdate = April 30 | accessyear = 2007 }}</ref>
== Mice as pets ==
[[Image:Petmouse.JPG|thumb|left|150px|Fancy mice come in a wide variety of colors not found in nature, such as this Even-Broken Agouti.]]
The first written reference to mice kept as pets occurs in the [[Erya]], the oldest extant [[Chinese dictionary]], from a mention in an [[1100 B.C.]] version.<ref>[http://www.afrma.org/rminfo4b.htm American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association]</ref> In Europe the breeding of fancy mice became popular though the introduction of [[Japan]]ese stock in the early 17th century. By 1895 [[Walter Maxey]] founded the National Mouse Club in [[Victorian era|Victorian]] [[England]], with its first official show held in [[Lincoln, Lincolnshire|Lincoln]] that year. Since that time, mouse clubs have formed world-wide. Shows are held so [[Animal fancy|competitive breeder]]s can display their mice, where they are judged on color and behavior.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nationalmouseclub.co.uk/history.html | title = "The Mouse Fancy" | accessdate = May 1 | accessyear = 2007 }}</ref>
Mice are kept as pets in many countries for a number of reasons: Fancy mice are relatively small, inexpensive, clean, and can learn to enjoy regular handling.<ref>[http://www.rmca.org/Resources/mousefaq.htm the Rat and Mouse Club of America]</ref> Mice are generally [[nocturnal]], but do not have the proclivity towards biting when disturbed like [[gerbils]].<ref>[http://www.rmca.org/Resources/mousefaq.htm the Rat and Mouse Club of America]</ref> Female mice are popular with many owners since they tend to cohabitate with other mice better than males. Additionally, the urine of female fancy mice does not contain as strong of an odor as that of the male mice. Bucks can fight with each other, unless they are introduced at a very young age, and they produce urine with a strong, musky smell.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fancymice.info/smell.html | title = "Do mice smell?" | accessdate = May 1 | accessyear = 2007 }}</ref> Some people, however, prefer the personality and curiosity of male mice. It is a good idea to keep fancy mice in groups of at least two if possible, as mice are sociable animals. However, if a buck and a doe of breeding age are put in the same cage they will produce a new litter every three weeks until separated.
== Caging ==
{{howto}}
[[Image:100 0726.JPG|230px|thumb|right|Mice enjoy group housing and require nesting areas such as this wooden hide.]]
Glass [[aquarium]]s or cages with wire bars and plastic flooring, are the most common types of housing.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fancymice.info/cagestanks.html | title = "Cages/Tanks and Housing" | accessdate = April 30 | accessyear = 2007 }}</ref> A span between cage bars of less than {{convert|9|mm|abbr=on}} prevents young mice from attempting to escape by forcing themselves through the bars, where they may get stuck. This can also help prevent [[predator]]y pets such as [[cat]]s from killing and eating the mice.
Mice are afraid of [[rat]]s, which often kill and consume them. This rat behavior is known as [[muricide]] (Tattersall, Smith and Nowell 1997). The mouse cage should be cleaned every couple of days to stop it smelling and disinfected properly every 2 weeks to prevent infection and disease. In the wild, mice are able to co-exist with other small rodent species (Moro and Morris 2000). Compared to larger [[mammal]]s, the mouse's small body makes it difficult to regulate body temperature effectively.<ref>[http://www.rmca.org/Resources/mousefaq.htm the Rat and Mouse Club of America]</ref> Thus, drafts and large fluctuations in temperature can adversely affect the health of mice.<ref>[http://www.rmca.org/Resources/mousefaq.htm the Rat and Mouse Club of America]</ref>
The best products for in cage bedding are aspen wood shavings or a commercial paper-based material. They should not be given [[cedar|cedar shavings]], as the oils in the wood are unhealthy and cause breathing difficulties. Similarly pine shavings can cause respiratory problems. If odor is a serious concern, ask your pet retailer for [[essential oil]]-free scented bedding. Recent research suggests that these oils are likely the source of bedding allergies and respiratory conditions, and suggests that oil-free pine or cedar may be used without health risk. (Vanderlip 2001, [[ISBN 978-0-7641-1812-8]]). Small hide-aways and toys (such as a [[cardboard]] tube) are good to have in the cage. Commercial toys are also available.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fancymice.info/Commercialtoys.html | title = "Commercially Available Mouse Toys" | accessdate = May 1 | accessyear = 2007 }}</ref> Mice love to run on a wheel, which provides stimulation as well as exercise.
== Feeding ==
[[Image:Mice 25 Nov 2004.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Hand-feeding 10-day old mice]]
Food for fancy mice can range from specially formulated feed mix to kitchen scraps, and is usually very inexpensive, although the latter should be avoided as it may not provide a balanced diet. Laboratories keeping mice as experimental subjects almost uniformly use a product called [[lab block]], a scientifically-formulated blend originally designed for mice in laboratories.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fancymice.info/labdiets2.html | title = "Lab diets" | accessdate = April 30 | accessyear = 2007 }}</ref> Dry [[dog food]] is another good option when lab block is unavailable, as it offers balanced nutrition for a mouse and helps keep their teeth conditioned.{{Fact|date=May 2007}} In order to keep variety in their diets, mice can also eat oats, oily seeds, clean [[egg shell]], breakfast cereal, and [[stale bread]]. Fruit and vegetables can be offered occasionally.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fancymice.info/feeding2.html | title = "Additional Foods" | accessdate = May 1 | accessyear = 2007 }}</ref> Mice generally chew wood and other hard substances in order to keep their teeth from growing too long. As mice and rats have very similar diets, some pet mouse owners choose to feed rat food, as many other mixes are too high in protein, and try to re-create home-made rat foods, adding more seeds, grains and oats, which, it has been said, are far better for mice than the traditional hamster food that is often bought with the intentions of feeding to mice.
House mice primarily feed on plant matter, but they will also accept meat and dairy products. They will drink water but require little of it, relying mainly on the moisture present in their food. If a water source is provided, then a gravity bottle feeder is necessary for maintaining the cleanliness of the water supply. They will eat their [[feces]] to acquire nutrients produced by [[bacteria]] in their intestines in a behavior they share with [[rabbit]]s and [[guinea pig]]s called [[Coprophagy]]. House mice, like other rodents, do not [[vomiting|vomit]].
== Health ==
A healthy fancy mouse will live on average 18 to 30 months, depending on genetic predisposition. Like most mammals mice are susceptible to [[mites]], [[ticks]] and other skin parasites, as well as [[intestinal parasites]]. The cage should be cleaned regularly, and preferably treated with anti-mite spray. Mice are particularly sensitive to drafts and may pick up colds and other flu-like conditions. Mice can also over-groom when stressed, leading to skin irritations and fur loss. Older mice are susceptible to [[tumors]], especially breast cancer in females as the mammary tissue is distributed around much of the body. Persistent problems should be referred to a [[veterinarian]], although finding a vet with expertise on treating mice can be difficult.
Like people, fancy mice can become obese if they overeat and do not get enough physical activity. This can lead to them developing life-threatening [[cardiovascular disorders]] and [[diabetes]] as well as arthritis. Unfortunately overfeeding is common as they require little food. Activity aids such as tubes and wheels are great for ensuring mice get enough exercise, as well as mental stimulation. Mice also love to climb, and a wire cage with horizontal bars is perfect for this. A mouse set loose for exercise should be carefully observed, as they tend to scurry into a hiding spot and can be difficult to retrieve.
As rodents, mice must [[gnaw]] to keep their [[incisors]] from growing too long. Overgrown teeth can cause occlusion (blockage) of the mouth, which in extreme cases can lead to starvation. Hard foodstuffs, small pieces of wood or specially prepared blocks can suit this purpose, although some mice can grind their teeth together ("[[bruxism|bruxing]]") to keep them short. In rare cases a mouse may not be able to gnaw effectively, either from malformed incisors or [[jaw]]s, and so their teeth must be trimmed by a vet.
Mice [[Personal grooming|self-groom]] and do not need to be bathed, unless they have a skin condition which requires special treatment.
== Handling ==
It is not natural for a mouse to allow itself to be handled by a human. However with training a mouse can be conditioned to handling, although some are more accommodating than others. The best way to pick up a mouse is on the palm of the hand. Retrieving a skittish mouse from its cage can be frustrating; they frighten easily and often try to hide. One method of retrieval is to coax the mouse into a cardboard tube placed in the cage, then pick up the tube. Picking up a mouse by the tail should be avoided as it can cause stress and injury, especially if it tries to grab at the cage.
Although mice are small animals and care must be taken to avoid injury, they are also surprisingly robust and inquisitive. Once out of the cage many enjoy running along their owners' arms, investigating pockets, or just sitting on the owner's lap and grooming. Some mice also tolerate gentle petting. Care must be taken as mice have poor eyesight and may try to lean too far over an edge and fall. Care must especially be taken when being handled by small children as they may be overly rough. Fancy mice very rarely bite, except when they are hurt or very frightened.
Unfortunately mice cannot be house trained and will often [[defecate]] and [[urinate]] while being handled, especially if they are nervous. The feces of a healthy mouse consists of a solid pellet a few millimeters long and can be discarded easily. However their urine is quite pungent, particularly with males, and may stain fabric.
== Breeding ==
[[Image:Mouse litter.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A female mouse with her litter]]
Mice have a rapid reproduction rate; the [[gestation]] period is approximately 18 to 21 days. The typical [[litter (animal)|litter]] size is 4 to 12 young. Males can mate with the female as soon as the litter is born. Female mice should not be bred before 12 weeks or after 8 months; doing so can be very dangerous,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fancymice.info/breeding.htm | title = "Breeding (Reproduction)" | accessdate = May 20 | accessyear = 2007 }}</ref> and some mice can die while giving birth. Females come into [[estrus|heat]] around every five days, so the pair can be kept together for up to ten days.
Baby mice, also called [[pup]]s, are born [[Blindness|blind]], naked, and [[deaf]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fancymice.info/babiesdevelop.html | title = "How Do Babies Develop?" | accessdate = April 30 | accessyear = 2007 }}</ref> Their eyes are closed and their ears are stuck to the sides of their heads. Mothers may eat any [[dead]] or sickly offspring.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fancymice.info/birth.htm | title = "During and After Birth" | accessdate = May 20 | accessyear = 2007 }}</ref> Pups begin to grow hair at two to four days. Ears open at three to five days, and the pups will start [[vocalization|vocalizing]]. Eyes open at 14 days, and the babies will start exploring the world around them. At three weeks old they look like miniature versions of adult mice. At four to five weeks the pups will be able to breed.
== References ==
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* Moro, D. and Morris, K. (2000) Movements and refugia of Lakeland Downs short-tailed mice, ''Leggadina lakedownensis'', and house mice, ''Mus domesticus'', on Thevenard Island, Western Australia. Wildlife Research 27, 11-20.
*Tattersall F. H., Smith, R. H. & Nowell, F. (1997). Experimental colonization of contrasting habitats by house mice. Zeitschrift für Säugetierkunde. 62: 350-358.
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== External links ==
{{Commonscat|Mus musculus}}
*[http://www.fancymice.info Fancy Mice]
*[http://www.rmca.org Rat & Mouse Club of America]
*[http://www.pet-care-portal.com/pet-mouse-care.html Mouse Care Sheet]
*[http://www.miceandrats.com/miceas.htm Mice as Pets]
*Varieties of [http://www.miceandrats.com/standmic.htm Fancy Mice]
*[http://www.nationalmouseclub.co.uk National Mouse Club]
*[http://www.dmrm.de Mouse Club of Germany]
*[http://www.svemus.org Swedish Mouse Club]
*[http://mus.ifokus.se Swedish Mouse Community]
*[http://midwestmouseclub.org Midwest Mouse Club (US)]
*[http://pzhmmr.w.interia.pl/ Polish Mouse Club ]
[[Category:Pet rodents]]
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