Origin:

  Found throughout the northern part of Africa.

Description:

  The zebra mouse is also called the African Striped Grass Mouse. They are a brownish color with black stripes that run from head to tail on their back and sides. The overall size for a zebra mouse is 3 to 4 inches. Zebra mice may live up to 3 years in captivity.

Feeding:

  Zebra mice are omnivorous meaning that they eat both plants and animals. A good diet consists of a combination of seeds, fruits, vegetables and insects. Fresh fruits may include apples, grapes, plums or pears. Vegetables that may be included in their diet are broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots and corn. A small amount of hard-boiled egg may be added to their food. Meat and poultry that is lean, cooked (not fried) and de-boned may also be added to their diet. These meats should not have salt, sauces or spices added to them. Processed meats should be avoided. A commercial rodent pellet is also good to include in their diet. Try to offer a variety of items since all zebra mice don't have the same preferences. Live insects such as crickets or mealworms may be included in their diet. Do not feed more than one or two of these insects every few days. Do not collect insects from outdoors where they may have been sprayed with pesticides. Water may be provided in a water bottle.

Housing:

  Zebra mice can be housed in a wire cage or an aquarium. The floor of the cage should have a deep bed of shavings in which they can hide and nest. You may use aspen bedding, CareFresh pet bedding or pine shavings. Nestboxes or hide boxes may be used to create a suitable environment for a zebra mouse. Zebra mice also enjoy playing on exercise wheels. Zebra mice are desert animals and need to be kept warm. Do not allow them to become cold. Limbs or branches should be put in their cage for them to climb on.

Misc.:

  A zebra mouse's teeth are always growing. They always need something to chew on or they will end up with overgrown teeth. You may use blocks of soft wood or paper towel tubes. Note: Care should be taken when handling a zebra mouse as the tail is very fragile and can be shed. Once lost, it will not grow back. Also note that zebra mice are jumpers and can jump up to 2 feet straight up if startled.

Compliments of:
S & S Exotic Animals, Inc.,  1711 Connorvale,  Houston, TX 77039  (281) 590-0426
http://www.sandsexoticanimals.com