Diet & Husbandry at Moonburrow Mousery
Bedding & Substrate
Due to allergies, we do not use wood shavings. Our standard bedding setup includes:
• A thin base layer of Yesterday’s News paper pellets (especially helpful in male enclosures for odor and moisture control)
• A soft paper-based bedding layered on top for nesting
This combination provides absorbency, comfort, and respiratory-friendly conditions while supporting natural digging and nest-building behaviors.
Nesting Material & Comfort
All mice are provided with appropriate nesting materials, including:
• Shredded paper or newspaper strips
• Cardboard rolls
•Fibercore Eco Bedding
Nesting materials allow mice to regulate warmth, reduce stress, and express natural behaviors. Materials are replaced or refreshed as needed during routine cleaning.
Enrichment & Variety
In addition to a stable base setup, our mice receive:
• Multiple hides
• Nesting material refreshed regularly
• Chew-safe enrichment
• Exercise wheel Recommended Size: 8 inches (20 cm) minimum
• Regular gentle handling and interaction
We prioritize environments that are engaging, comfortable, and species-appropriate without being overstimulating.
Diet
Our mice are raised on a balanced staple diet consisting of Oxbow Essentials Mouse & Young Rat Food. This is supplemented with a rotating variety of fresh foods, treats, and extra protein options such as scrambled eggs and cooked chicken. Our variety includes:
• Fresh vegetables
• Occasional fruits
• Nuts (in moderation)
• Dried insects such as mealworms.
Treats are offered thoughtfully and never replace a nutritionally complete base diet.
For Adopters
Adopters are not required to replicate our setup exactly. However, maintaining similar diets and substrates during the transition period can help reduce stress. Any changes should be made gradually and with the mouse’s wellbeing in mind. We are always happy to discuss alternatives that meet the same standards of care.
Quarantine & Safe Introductions
Bringing a new friend home is an exciting time! To protect your current mice, we always recommend a 7–14 day quarantine period in a separate room. This gives you time to ensure the new mouse is healthy and stress-free before meeting their group.
Step-by-Step Introductions for Females:
1. The Neutral Zone: Place all mice in a clean, scent-free space (like a bathtub or deep bin) with fresh bedding and scattered food, but no houses yet.
2. Gentle Supervision: Watch for grooming or sleeping together—these are great signs! Separate only if there is intense chasing or any signs of injury.
3. Fresh Habitat: Once relaxed, move the group into a completely scrubbed cage with fresh bedding and open-ended items (like tubes) rather than enclosed hides.
4. Slow Settling: Wait 24 hours before slowly adding back their favorite houses and toys, one at a time.
Normal Settling-In Behavior:
• Brief squeaks
• Some chasing
• Pinning without injuries
• Resting together after a while
These behaviors are common and part of the natural process of establishing a social hierarchy.
Introduction Red Flags (Separate Immediately):
• Biting or ball-fighting
• Drawing blood
• One mouse being constantly pinned and unable to move
• Terrified or extreme defensive body language
Note: If you observe any of these red flags, separate the mice immediately and contact the breeder for further support and advice. Safety is always the priority!
Some male mice can remain compatible long-term, but others may eventually need to be separated as they mature, so adopters should be prepared for that possibility.
Warning signs include:
• bite wounds or bleeding
• persistent chasing of one mouse
• puffed fur and aggressive posturing
• Loud, prolonged squealing
• one mouse hiding constantly or appearing stressed
These resources are for educational support only and are not a substitute for veterinary care.
Emergency Support for Mice in Distress
Emergency Resources for Your Mouse
Air Quality & Filtration (Recommended)
Good air quality is important for rodent respiratory health and comfort. A room air purifier helps cut dust and odors for both mice and humans, but does not replace regular cage cleaning
When possible, we recommend:
• HEPA or HEPA-grade filtration
• Placement in the room rather than inside enclosures
• Regular filter maintenance per manufacturer guidelines
Clean air supports healthier animals and a more pleasant shared environment.