Housing

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Proper housing is a major factor in the maintenance of healthy

mice and rats.  The psychosocial well-being of the animals must

be a primary consideration.  Mice and rats can be housed within

enclosures made of wire, stainless steel, durable plastic or

glass.  The last three materials are preferred because they

resist corrosion.  Wood and similar materials should not be used

in construction of enclosures because they are difficult to clean

and cannot withstand the destructive gnawing of rodents.  The

construction and design of the enclosure must ensure that the

resident(s) cannot escape.  Furthermore, the enclosure must be

free of sharp edges and other potential hazards.



The enclosure must be roomy enough to allow the rodents to pursue

normal movement and breeding activity, if the latter is desired.

Visual security (a place into or under which the rodents can

retreat for privacy) should be provided, as well as exercise

wheels for optimum mental and physical health.  Rats, in

particular, tend to be burrowers and seem to enjoy hiding under

things for extended periods.



Enclosures should be easy to clean, well lighted and adequately

ventilated (see Vital Statistics for preferred temperature and

relative humidity ranges).  Bedding must be clean, nontoxic,

absorbent, relatively dust-free and easy to replace.  Shredded

paper, wood shavings and processed corn cobs are preferred

bedding materials.  Tissue paper or cotton are often supplied to

breeding rats for nest-building material.



Pet mice and rats seem most comfortable when they are spared

exposure to excessive noise, needless excitement and confusion,

and other similar or perceived stresses.  Sudden environmental

temperature changes should also be prevented because pet rodents

do not tolerate them well.



Mice can be aggressive toward one another, so great care should

be taken when housing more than one mouse within the same

enclosure.  Newly assembled male groups and new males entering

established territories, in particular, are likely to fight,

so it is wise to always house male mice separately.  Domestic

female mice seldom fight unless they are defending their nests.



Rats are more communal and, in contrast to mice, several males

and females may be housed within the same enclosure, provided

that it is roomy enough.  In fact, young rats are raised by the

group and nursing responsibilities are shared between females.

These nursing females may fight among themselves.  Males may

occasionally bother the young, but aggression between rats is

generally infrequent (in contrast to mice).



Every effort to prevent the escape of pet rodents should be made

because they can be a tremendous nuisance when allowed the run of

the house.  Escaped rats tend to eventually return to their

enclosures, whereas escaped mice tend to fend for themselves

within the home and do not return to their enclosures.