Rats and mice

Rats and mice are social but territorial animals. A lone, caged rat or mouse will languish, but two or more crowded together without adequate space may fight. A large aquarium or a wire enclosure of equivalent size is a minimum requirement for two animals, and you should never mix males and females or different species.

If you are going to adopt rats or mice, you will need to provide them with a habitat with the following specifications:

• Bedding material at least 1-inch thick 
• No direct sunlight or drafts
• Fresh food and water, but no cheese, milk, or other animal products—clean the feed dish daily and the water bottle before each refill
• A mineral block, for honing teeth
• An exercise wheel
• Paper towel rolls, shelves, tree branches, old socks, etc. for toys and chewing