Small rodents as pets

Mice and rats are cheap to buy and expensive to keep badly. Most problems owners run into are housing and ventilation, not illness.

They are social animals

Female mice and both sexes of rats do poorly alone. Rats in particular are highly social and typically kept in same-sex pairs or groups. Adult male mice often fight and are usually housed singly.

Short lives, fast problems

These are short-lived animals, and illness develops quickly. A rodent that looks unwell in the morning can be critical by evening, so the useful skill is noticing small changes early.

• HousingCage size and bar spacing, why aquariums ventilate poorly, and which beddings to avoid.
• FeedingWhy a formulated block beats a seed mix, safe fresh foods, and the treats to skip.
• HealthRespiratory symptoms, lumps, porphyrin staining and when a vet visit cannot wait.
• AboutAn independent care guide for pet mice and rats.