Is a mouse right for you?

The Basics:

Mice can live between 1-3 years.

They are very active and need to be kept entertained.

Girls should definitely be kept in groups.

Mice breed increadably quickly, so make sure you only keep same-sex animals together.

Mice can have quite large litters (up to 13!) so don't breed unless you have homes for all the babies.

If you do plan to breed it is important to know the history of the mice, such as whether they are prone to tumours and other illnesses.  These mice shouldn't be bred from.

Make sure you've found out as much as you can before buying your mice!

Boys or Girls?

There isn't much difference between the natures of boys and girls in the way they act towards humans.  Some say boys are more friendly towards their human owners than girls, but this just depends on the mouse.  However, girls are easier to keep in groups than boys are.  Females are happy in large groups, will sleep together, eat together and pile on a wheel together.  Males can be more anti-social from being a lot more territorial.  If you intend to keep males together make sure you have a large enough cage so each mouse has his own territory.  Make sure you have more than one food dish (helps discourage arguments over who found the sunflower seed first), separate sleeping areas (in case of minor fallouts) and if possible two wheels.  It is harder to introduce males to new males, but not impossible. 

The only other major difference I personally feel between males and females is that males have a stronger smell.  They mark their territories more than females, so if you want a less-smelly mouse go for females.

If you intend to breed from your mice, you will not be able to re-introduce a male to his friend after breeding as they will fight. 

All in all, mice are happier together (and it doesn't make them any less sociable to you!)  Mice kept alone and bored can cause damage to themselves by excessive grooming and other obsessive behaviours.

Pet Shop or Breeder?

If you are looking for a specific colouring of mouse, you're best bet is to search out a breeder.  There are many mouseries online that specialise in certain colours, natures etc.  Mice bred for pets by breeders are likely to be more easy to handle and friendly.  Pet shop mice may not have been handled too often, but with perseverance you can make it just as tame as a mouse from a breeder.  However, some pet shop mice may be more likely to be inbred or prone to illnesses.  This is not always the case, some pet shop mice live just as long as those from breeders as long as they are kept happy and healthy by their owners.

Things Needed

Going to collect your new mice?  Make sure you have the basics!  Read the habitat section for more details about some of the items listed here.

Cage
Water Bottle
Food Dish
Food
Bedding Material
Toys
Sleeping Area

Bringing Them Home

Make sure you have your cage set up ready, then just pop the container the mouse is in into the cage and let them come out on their own accord.  Some mice take hours, others are out straight away.  Let them become accustomed to their surroundings before you attempt to play with them.

Handling

Never grab your mouse by its tail.  You can easily scoop a mouse into your hands without any danger of hurting it.  Some mice are more jumpy than others, but over time your mouse will enjoy being handled more and more.  You can train your mouse to jump on your hand when you want to get him/her out however it may take bribery at first (yoghurt and dog chocolate drops are favourites).