Essential Supplies for Pet Mice
Setting up a home for new pet mice is an exciting process. To ensure your new companions have everything they need to thrive from day one, it’s important to gather all the essential supplies in advance. This checklist covers the fundamental items required for a happy and healthy mouse habitat.
The Shopping Checklist
Here are the must-have items for any new mouse owner:
| Category | Item | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | Enclosure | A 20-gallon long glass tank with a secure mesh lid is a great starting point for a small group of female mice. Bin cages are also a popular and affordable DIY option. Bar spacing on wire cages must be 1/4 inch or smaller. [1] |
| Bedding/Substrate | Aspen, kiln-dried pine, or paper-based beddings are safe choices. Provide a deep layer (at least 4-6 inches) to allow for natural burrowing and tunneling behavior. Avoid cedar and dusty beddings. [2] | |
| Food & Water | Primary Diet | A high-quality lab block or pelleted diet formulated specifically for mice or rats should be the staple. This ensures complete and balanced nutrition. [3] |
| Supplemental Food | A varied mix of grains, seeds, and nuts can be offered as a supplement. Fresh vegetables can be given in moderation. | |
| Water Bottle | A glass water bottle with a metal sipper tube is recommended, as mice can chew through plastic. Check it daily to ensure it’s working correctly. | |
| Food Bowl | A small, heavy ceramic bowl is ideal as it’s chew-proof and difficult to tip over. | |
| Enrichment | Exercise Wheel | A solid-surface wheel (not wire) with a diameter of at least 8 inches is crucial for exercise and preventing tail and foot injuries. |
| Hiding Places | Provide multiple hideouts, such as cardboard tubes, small wooden houses, or plastic huts, to give your mice a sense of security. [4] | |
| Nesting Material | Soft paper-based bedding, shredded tissue paper, or hay can be provided for mice to build cozy nests. | |
| Chew Toys | Mice have continuously growing incisors and need safe items to chew on. Wooden chew toys, cardboard, and apple wood sticks are excellent choices. [5] | |
| Health & Safety | Travel Carrier | A small, secure carrier is necessary for safe transport to and from the veterinarian. |
| Cage Cleaner | A 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water or a reptile-safe disinfectant can be used for regular cleaning. [2] |
References
[1] Little Critter Crew. (n.d.). Mouse Care Guide. https://littlecrittercrew.org/mouse-care-guide/
[2] Reddit Community. (2020). RAT CARE GUIDE. https://www.reddit.com/r/RATS/comments/h8rrrh/rat_care_guide/
[3] Petco. (2023). Ultimate Pet Mouse Care. https://www.petco.com/content/content-hub/home/articlePages/caresheets/mice.html
[4] Chewy. (2026). Mouse Care Sheet. https://www.chewy.com/education/small-pet/rat-and-mouse/mouse-care-sheet
[5] PetMD. (2025). Pet Mouse Care Sheet: Habitat, Diet, and Behavior. https://www.petmd.com/exotic/mouse-care-sheet