AY Honors/Small Mammal Pets/Answer Key
Fancy mice are domesticated versions of the common or house mouse (mus musculus). They are approximately 16-18cm long from nose to the tip of the tail.
Mice have been kept as pets for a long time, consequently producing many varieties. These include ones with solid coat colors, such as black, blue, champagne, white (albino), chocolate, cream, dove, fawn, lilac, red and silver. Other varieties may have have tan colored bellies or markings of various color on the coat.
Mice are kept as pets because they are small, inexpensive, easy to keep and generally have a good temperment. Female mice get along with each other and do not smell. Male mice, however, may fight and produce their own odor.
Many fancy mice clubs have been set up such as the national mouse and rat club. Shows are also held so owners can display their mice.
