First domesticated in China around the 12th century, the fancy mouse has become popular with enthusiasts of all ages. Fancy mice come in an assortment of wonderful colors and markings. Solid colors include black, slate, silver, champagne, red (also known as fawn), white, and cream. They make great pets: easy and inexpensive to keep. Mice are alert, adaptable, and fun to watch. They rely on a keen sense of smell and hearing to perceive the world around them, and are easily frightened. Therefore, they are best suited to an older child or adult who can handle them gently. They are clean animals and are constantly grooming themselves.

A high quality mouse food is recommended. This diet can be supplemented with small amounts of vegetables, fruits, and assorted grains. Appropriate fruits and vegetables include pears, grapes, strawberries, dates, figs, raisins, dark green lettuce, endive, Brussels sprouts, kale and carrots. It is important that you do not feed too much of any of these fresh foods. As with all animals, clean fresh water should be available at all times as mice can dehydrate easily. Housing and Handling: Fancy mice are social and can live together in pairs. But, if kept in pairs, it is best to keep two females together as males may become territorial and aggressive towards each other. Mice are very adaptable and do well in just about any type of metal , plastic, or glass habitat. The cage must have a lid since mice are expert climbers and may find a way out. You should also have a food dish, water bottle, and small house that the mice can use to sleep in. Especially with male mice, the bedding needs to be changed frequently, at least twice per week. Fancy mice thrive best at normal temperatures of 68-72 degrees. Although not as active as hamsters, mice can use exercise wheels as long as they are made solid or with the rungs close together so the tail of the mouse does not get caught. To pick up a mouse, it is perfectly acceptable to stop its forward movement by gently grabbing its tail. After stopping the motion, slide your hand under the body and give the mouse support as you lift it. Mice should be handled with care, their small size means that they need to be handled gently as they are the tiniest pets you may have. Mice do not like to be held snugly. You should let the mouse be aware of your presence before reaching into the cage as grabbing it quickly may frighten it.

Fancy mice, as all rodents, have incisor teeth that constantly grow. In a captive environment, these teeth can grow to a length that makes it difficult to the animal to eat. To prevent this, an abrasive gnawing material (such as a chew stick or chew treat) should be provided at all times to help wear the teeth down.

A male mouse is called a buck and a female is called a doe. Babies are weaned at 3-4 weeks of age. A healthy mouse will move quickly and freely grip your finger when it is held. To check for a healthy mouse, look for the following: the coat should be even with no bare patches or scabs, the body should be sleek and smooth, eyes should be large and bright with no discharge, ears should be clean with no reddening or wounds, teeth should be straight and not overlong or protruding, feet and claws should be free of deformities.