Pet mice are the same species as the ordinary wild house mouse, Mus musculus, but have been bred as pets for many hundreds of years and today differ enormously from their wild cousins. As well as the most obvious difference between domesticated and wild mice (that is, domesticated mice being tame and friendly), pet mice are ordinarily much larger than their wild cousins and come in a huge variety of colours and coat types. Pet mice may also suffer from compromised immune systems or other genetic health conditions such as tumours, obesity and anaemia, and it is the responsibility of the mouse breeder to do their best to avoid these problems.

Without careful breeding, pet mice are at risk of major health concerns as well as of reverting to a wild-like temperament, and unfortunately most of mouse breeding in Western Australia has not been the least bit careful or thought out, and has aimed at no more than producing more mice. Therefore, many local mice are prone to tumours before the age of one year, or are so unfriendly that they will bite their carers. My mousery is aiming to turn this around by breeding only the friendliest, healthiest mice from local sources as well as imported mice from the Eastern States, and also by promoting the responsible treatment and breeding of these wonderful pets.

A well bred mouse will be so friendly it will actively seek out your attention and snuggle into your hand for a good ear-scritch, NEVER bite, and will live for 2 or even 3 years in your care. Not all NOM mice are at this stage, but it is what we aim for.

The Naughty or Mice mousery, located in Nedlands, currently contains about 20 adult mice and is growing at an almost alarming rate. NOM mice live in tanks, converted tubs and wire cages with plenty of space, cubby holes, wheels and other toys, and lots of human attention. The main substrates used for bedding are recycled paper cat litter, oaten chaff with shredded newspaper and tissuepaper for extra enrichment and warmth. The mice get a custom mix of food with a variety of grains including oats, wheat, rye, rice, corn and spelt, oily seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower, mixed dried fruits and coconut. They also frequently receieve fresh fruit and veg (or frozen on hot days) and live mealworms (an absolute favourite). Pregnant and nursing mothers get protein suplements such as dry cat or dog food and scrambled eggs.


Adopting NOM mice will not cost you more than adopting mice from a pet shop. It will, however, give you significantly more information about the mice you are adopting as I will tell you everything I can about them and their parentage. This will allow you to be the better judge of how your new babies will develop in temperament, appearance and health. It will also give you a sense of surety that the mice you adopt will have a home to return to should you no longer be able to care for them. I can also supply housing, food and accessories with your mice at better value than generally available from pet shops.