Because mice breed early (they are sexually mature at just two months old) and fast (with litters of up to 12 within 21 days after breeding), it is important to get pets of the same sex so that you won’t be drowning in rodents sooner than you can say “Rats!”.

Most female mice can live together peaceably. Males may fight each other if kept in the same cage, but some individuals, especially litter-mates, do get along. Try not to keep mice singly, because they are social creatures that need company.

If you aren’t confident about distinguishing between males and females (males have a longer distance between their anal and genital openings), get your mice from reputable pet shops or take your new pets to a vet at once to have them checked out.

Mice should be mainly fed commercial pellets specially manufactured for rodents. Add some vegetables and fruit, but not too much, because the pellets already provide proper nutritional balance. Mice are often popularly associated with cheese, but cheese is too fattening for them, and only gives them digestive and weight problems.

A supply of clean drinking water is essential round the clock. Solid food can be put into feeding bowls, while a dispenser bottle can hold the water. Make sure the bottle opening is within easy reach of even the smallest, oldest and weakest mice, and that the liquid flows smoothly and readily, because if your pets can’t get at the water, they will quickly die of dehydration.

Mice are nocturnal, so expect them to sleep most of the day and be more active during the night.

See a vet quickly if you notice health danger signs like diarrhoea, nose or eye discharge, hair loss, scaly skin, lesions and ulcers, loss of appetite or weight, swelling, breathing problems, and walking lopsided or in circles.