Fun Facts About Mice
- Pet mice sense the surface they’re walking on through their whiskers. Using their 'vibrissae', or whiskers, the animals scan their surroundings and are able to orient themselves even in darkness.
- The tail of a pet mouse is almost as long as its body: As well as this extraordinary length, it is characterized by its scale rings.
- Mice are thieves: At least, if you take its name as a basis. Allegedly, the word 'mouse' is derived from the Sanskrit verb 'mū', which means "to steal".
- A fancy mouse (fancy means 'hobby' in this context) is a domesticated form of the house mouse (Mus musculus ), one of many mouse species, usually kept as a type of pocket pet. Fancy mice have also been specially bred for exhibiting, with shows being held internationally.
- Mice are short-lived: typically only 2 to 3 years.
- Baby mice, called pinkies or pups, are born blind, deaf, and naked. Their eyes are closed and their ears are stuck to the sides of their heads. They do not open their eyes until 2 weeks old!
- Mice self groom and do not need to be bathed, unless they have a skin condition which requires special treatment.
- Mice are adept at navigating mazes and can even use their smarts to learn tricks. Like dogs, they are very treat motivated, especially if they are going to be rewarded with treats or seeds.
- Although rarely seen in the wild, mice are excellent swimmers when needed.
- Mice communicate with each other using ultrasonic sound the human ear cannot detect. This is often seen as "vibrating" when handled especially at a young age.