STANDARD TIMES (New Bedford, Massachusetts) 07 August 07 Domesticated mice make charming, entertaining house pets (Brian J. Lowney)
If the thought of sharing your home with a pet rat or mouse sends shudders down your spine, think again.
According to one local small animal specialist, these often-disparaged little creatures make great family companions and stimulate lively conversations.
"These animals make good pets," says Rick Rego, a Swansea Fire Department dispatcher and small animal hobbyist. "They make great first pets for children."
Mr. Rego makes it clear that he's taking about domesticated rats and mice — the same kind of animals that are bred for scientific research. These animals are healthy and free of disease, unlike their distant cousins in the wild.
While he no longer keeps mice, Mr. Rego, now in his 30s, bought his first mouse when he was 12 years old and soon added hamsters and gerbils to his collection. Eventually, he acquired reptiles and snakes, and now owns 40 aquariums, two dogs and a cat.
The father of one explains that there are two varieties of mice and rats — white and fancy, which may have longer fur and are different colors. He adds that his son Wyatt, age 5, already has a passion for zoos and probably will start collecting mice and rats in a few years.
"Fancy mice are a little more appealing," he suggests, adding that white mice and rats have red eyes and are rather plain-looking. Mr. Rego says that while rats and mice receive the same basic care, owners must make accommodations for size.
While most folks can't believe that these small rodents have become popular household companions, pet industry officials report that that there's been a surge in interest in these small, quiet creatures since the release earlier this summer of the delightful family comedy "Ratatouille," about a charming French rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a renowned chef.
Rego advises that if you're going to purchase a pet rat or mouse, it's better to buy a female, which tend to be cleaner and have calmer dispositions. He adds that males have strong-smelling urine and often fight with each other.
When different sexes are placed together, there is usually a population explosion. Mice mate as early as eight weeks of age and after a three-week gestation period, can produce a litter with as many as a dozen babies.
"A couple of females will live in harmony in a cage," he says. "The person at the pet store should be able to pick out a female from their stock."
Mr. Rego recommends that owners of these small rodents feed them a high-quality, commercially prepared food that can be purchased at most pet stores.
"They also enjoy a small piece of carrot or apple once a week," he explains. "If you feed them too much or too often, they will get diarrhea."
The small animal expert says that it's also important to provide small rodents with an attachable water bottle filled with fresh water at room temperature. He explains that water bowls collect shavings, which are kicked up when the animal is running around its cage.
Mr. Rego says that the ideal home for a mouse or small rat is an aquarium tank with a screen roof for ventilation, or a wire house made of material that won't allow the animal to get caught or injured. Rodents should never be placed in direct sunlight or drafty rooms.
"A 10-gallon fish tank makes a good home," he notes.
The respected animal enthusiast, who frequently contributes articles to aquaculture magazines, says that rodent cages should be lined with aspen shavings. Cedar and pine shavings emit vapors which can irritate a rodent's respiratory system, he notes.
Mr. Rego says that small rodents, when given proper attention and care, can live two or three years. He tells owners to be observant and to watch for warning signs that indicate a rodent may be sick, such as listlessness and lack of appetite.
Since time is of the essence when dealing with small creatures, owners should not wait too long before contacting a small animal practitioner. Veterinarians can treat skin conditions with topical preparations, and most viral conditions and wounds with antibiotics and other medications.
The dedicated animal lover emphasizes that rodents need lots of stimulation. They should be socialized and become tamer when they are frequently handled.
He suggests placing toilet paper and paper towel tubes in cages to afford rodents a dark place to relax or play hide-and-seek. He adds that pregnant mice and rats also like to shred tubes to build nests and love to sit in small cardboard jewelry boxes.
"Anything that you can do to enrich their environment is good," he adds.
Mr. Rego emphasizes that potential rodent owners should buy a good book on small animal husbandry and care, and go online to visit Web sites sponsored by domesticated pet rat and mouse clubs.
"Be sure to always pick up rats and mice by the base of the tail, and never hold them too high from the ground," Mr. Rego concludes. "If they scoot away and fall, they won't hurt themselves if they don't have too far to drop."
Domesticated mice make charming, entertaining house pets