Where mice came from . . .

The Chinese used albino mice to predict the future, while the Romans kept mice as pets.

Mice are quite a popular pet even today, especially with children as they are cheap and easy to keep. They can become used to being handled by their owner, are clean and not too smelly if looked after properly. However mice don't live too long -- only about two years -- so it is always best to get young mice as pets.

Mice like company as well, so it is always better to keep them in a group, but remember mice breed very quickly becoming mature as early as six weeks of age. Two males kept together will tend to fight but females usually get on very well. Two or three mice kept together will also need plenty of space and entertainment, often cages tend to be too small.

The cage space should also be designed to make sure those intelligent mice do not get too bored. Cages that contain toys, climbing frames, hollow tubes and ladders are always appreciated.

A cage of 45cm x 30cm x 25cm will hold two or three mice, but a wooden or plastic cage can be chewed through. Metal or glass cages are "chew free" but can be cold and collect condensation. The cage itself should be out of drafts and direct sunlight, as well as properly ventilated to reduce the accumulation of water vapour.

The base of the cage should be covered with dust-free sawdust, while the bedding can be soft wood shavings, tissue paper or hay. Any soiled bedding should be removed daily and the cage cleaned thoroughly once a week. Do not forget to do the water bottle as well.

Mice need a varied diet to stay in good condition, and should be fed a commercially prepared complete food as their basic diet. You can add small amounts of dog biscuit, apples or tomatoes to this. Mice are very easy about what they eat, but be careful not to feed too much as they can become fat. Mice must have fresh water available all the time which can be in a small bowl or a water dispenser.

One of the big advantages of mice is the easy holiday care. Mice store food so they can quite happily be left for a day with a clean cage and full water bottle.

Mice are also quite healthy if looked after well. Poor husbandry is the commonest reason for illness, and signs of ill health are often shown through the mouse's external appearance. Their coat may be ruffled and the pet can be completely immobile, even when picked up. If you feel any of your mice are ill, isolate the sufferer and contact your vet who will be able to advise you on any treatment.

Mice make interesting pets and are a very good introduction into responsible pet ownership for the discerning person.

Q: I would like my cat, Mrs Tibbs, to have kittens. She is a lovely looking cat and I have a waiting list of good homes for the offspring. I would like to feed her well during her pregnancy. Any advice? Felix Bashford.

A: I'm glad you are taking your cats future pregnancy seriously, and I am especially glad you have made sure the kittens will go to good homes. A pregnant cat has an increased need for nutrients and energy right from the start. The extra nutrients can be provided by increasing the amount of her normal diet or by feeding a more concentrated one. Obviously Mrs Tibbs will have to eat more of the normal diet to increase her energy, but will probably keep to the same amount with the concentrated one. This may be important in the later stages of pregnancy when her stomach capacity will be smaller.

When she is feeding the kittens she will need a diet that is very digestible, with good quality protein as well as lots of calories. Fresh water must always be available.

Q: My old dog Sammy has not been well recently. I took him to the vet and they ran a few blood tests and found his kidneys were failing. He is getting a special diet and is looking loads better after his various treatments. I am not sure what all of the diets and treatments do, am I being cruel keeping him alive? Harry Driver.

A: Chronic Renal Failure (also called CRF) is a long-term deterioration in kidney function. It is a progressive disease and diet plays an important part in its management. The altered diet aims to reduce the clinical signs such as excessive drinking, to slow the progression of the disease and to make sure the pet keeps to an ideal bodyweight. The diets will need to supply a moderate level of high quality protein to reduce any waste products yet still maintain the dog's protein needs. Some minerals such as sodium will have to be restricted and with sodium, for example, it is to make sure the pet's blood pressure is controlled. Any food will have to be fed little and often. Sammy will probably also need some medical treatments from your vet to help him, such as vitamin supplements. Providing your dog's quality of life is good there is no reason to think it is time to say 'goodbye'. Discuss your concerns with your vet, and I am sure you will be able to work out what is best for Sammy. Rest assured you will be able to tell when Sammy is not getting what he should out of life.

Q: I am thinking about getting a rabbit. I have read lots of books on them so I feel quite prepared for the commitment of taking on a pet, but I am not sure how I can tell whether one is healthy or not. Can you help? Matthew Homer

A: I am glad you have spent some time researching rabbit care before you take on one, and I am also pleased you recognise how important it is that one is healthy. Rabbits have very lively alert natures and a healthy one will not sit around huddled up with closed eyes. Always check inside the mouth to make sure the front teeth fit together well and do not overlap. If they do not meet properly the rabbit will not be able to eat. Check inside the rabbit's ears for signs of any infection, and make sure their bottom is clean with no signs of diarrhoea such as staining or matted fur. Their eyes and nose should be clean and their claws should not be overgrown. Mice make

great pets PET mice originally descended from the wild house mouse and the Ancient Greeks worshipped them.

The Chinese used albino mice to predict the future, while the Romans kept mice as pets.

Mice are quite a popular pet even today, especially with children as they are cheap and easy to keep. They can become used to being handled by their owner, are clean and not too smelly if looked after properly. However mice don't live too long -- only about two years -- so it is always best to get young mice as pets.

Mice like company as well, so it is always better to keep them in a group, but remember mice breed very quickly becoming mature as early as six weeks of age. Two males kept together will tend to fight but females usually get on very well. Two or three mice kept together will also need plenty of space and entertainment, often cages tend to be too small.

The cage space should also be designed to make sure those intelligent mice do not get too bored. Cages that contain toys, climbing frames, hollow tubes and ladders are always appreciated.

A cage of 45cm x 30cm x 25cm will hold two or three mice, but a wooden or plastic cage can be chewed through. Metal or glass cages are "chew free" but can be cold and collect condensation. The cage itself should be out of drafts and direct sunlight, as well as properly ventilated to reduce the accumulation of water vapour.

The base of the cage should be covered with dust-free sawdust, while the bedding can be soft wood shavings, tissue paper or hay. Any soiled bedding should be removed daily and the cage cleaned thoroughly once a week. Do not forget to do the water bottle as well.

Mice need a varied diet to stay in good condition, and should be fed a commercially prepared complete food as their basic diet. You can add small amounts of dog biscuit, apples or tomatoes to this. Mice are very easy about what they eat, but be careful not to feed too much as they can become fat. Mice must have fresh water available all the time which can be in a small bowl or a water dispenser.

One of the big advantages of mice is the easy holiday care. Mice store food so they can quite happily be left for a day with a clean cage and full water bottle. Cages can be easily taken around to friends if you go away for longer.

Poor husbandry is the commonest reason for illness, and signs of ill health are often shown through the mouse's external appearance. Its coat may be ruffled and the pet can be completely immobile, even when picked up. Isolate any sufferer and contact your vet.

Q: I would like my cat, Mrs Tibbs, to have kittens. She is a lovely looking cat and I have a waiting list of good homes for the offspring. I would like to feed her well during her pregnancy. Any advice? Felix Bashford.

A: A pregnant cat has an increased need for nutrients and energy right from the start. The extra nutrients can be provided by increasing the amount of her normal diet or by feeding a more concentrated one. Obviously Mrs Tibbs will have to eat more of the normal diet to increase her energy, but will probably keep to the same amount with the concentrated one. This may be important in the later stages of pregnancy when her stomach capacity will be smaller.

When she is feeding the kittens she will need a diet that is very digestible, with good quality protein as well as lots of calories. Fresh water must always be available.

Q: My old dog Sammy has not been well recently. I took him to the vet and they ran a few blood tests and found his kidneys were failing. He is getting a special diet and is looking loads better after his various treatments. I am not sure what all of the diets and treatments do, am I being cruel keeping him alive? Harry Driver.

A: Chronic Renal Failure (also called CRF) is a long-term deterioration in kidney function. It is a progressive disease and diet plays an important part in its management. The altered diet aims to reduce the clinical signs such as excessive drinking, to slow the progression of the disease and to make sure the pet keeps to an ideal bodyweight. The diets will need to supply a moderate level of high quality protein to reduce any waste products yet still maintain the dog's protein needs. Some minerals such as sodium will have to be restricted and with sodium, for example, it is to make sure the pet's blood pressure is controlled. Any food will have to be fed little and often. Sammy will probably also need some medical treatments from your vet to help him, such as vitamin supplements. Providing your dog's quality of life is good there is no reason to think it is time to say 'goodbye'. Discuss your concerns with your vet, and I am sure you will be able to work out what is best for Sammy. Rest assured you will be able to tell when Sammy is not getting what he should out of life.

Q: I am thinking about getting a rabbit. I have read lots of books on them so I feel quite prepared for the commitment of taking on a pet, but I am not sure how I can tell whether one is healthy or not. Can you help? Matthew Homer

A: I am glad you have spent some time researching rabbit care before you take on one, and I am also pleased you recognise how important it is that one is healthy. Rabbits have very lively alert natures and a healthy one will not sit around huddled up with closed eyes. Always check inside the mouth to make sure the front teeth fit together well and do not overlap. If they do not meet properly the rabbit will not be able to eat. Check inside the rabbit's ears for signs of any infection, and make sure their bottom is clean with no signs of diarrhoea such as staining or matted fur. Their eyes and nose should be clean and their claws should not be overgrown. PET mice originally descended from the wild house mouse and the Ancient Greeks worshipped them.

The Chinese used albino mice to predict the future, while the Romans kept mice as pets.

Mice are quite a popular pet even today, especially with children as they are cheap and easy to keep. They can become used to being handled by their owner, are clean and not too smelly if looked after properly. However mice don't live too long -- only about two years -- so it is always best to get young mice as pets.

Mice like company as well, so it is always better to keep them in a group, but remember mice breed very quickly becoming mature as early as six weeks of age. Two males kept together will tend to fight but females usually get on very well. Two or three mice kept together will also need plenty of space and entertainment, often cages tend to be too small.

The cage space should also be designed to make sure those intelligent mice do not get too bored. Cages that contain toys, climbing frames, hollow tubes and ladders are always appreciated.

A cage of 45cm x 30cm x 25cm will hold two or three mice, but a wooden or plastic cage can be chewed through. Metal or glass cages are "chew free" but can be cold and collect condensation. The cage itself should be out of drafts and direct sunlight, as well as properly ventilated to reduce the accumulation of water vapour.

The base of the cage should be covered with dust-free sawdust, while the bedding can be soft wood shavings, tissue paper or hay. Any soiled bedding should be removed daily and the cage cleaned thoroughly once a week. Do not forget to do the water bottle as well.

Mice need a varied diet to stay in good condition, and should be fed a commercially prepared complete food as their basic diet. You can add small amounts of dog biscuit, apples or tomatoes to this. Mice are very easy about what they eat, but be careful not to feed too much as they can become fat. Mice must have fresh water available all the time which can be in a small bowl or a water dispenser.

One of the big advantages of mice is the easy holiday care. Mice store food so they can quite happily be left for a day with a clean cage and full water bottle. Cages can be easily taken around to friends if you go away for longer.

Mice are also quite healthy if looked after well. Poor husbandry is the commonest reason for illness, and signs of ill health are often shown through the mouse's external appearance. Their coat may be ruffled and the pet can be completely immobile, even when picked up. If you feel any of your mice are ill, isolate the sufferer and contact your vet who will be able to advise you on any treatment.

Mice make interesting pets and are a very good introduction into responsible pet ownership for the discerning person.

Q: I would like my cat, Mrs Tibbs, to have kittens. She is a lovely looking cat and I have a waiting list of good homes for the offspring. I would like to feed her well during her pregnancy. Any advice? Felix Bashford.

A: I'm glad you are taking your cats future pregnancy seriously, and I am especially glad you have made sure the kittens will go to good homes. A pregnant cat has an increased need for nutrients and energy right from the start. The extra nutrients can be provided by increasing the amount of her normal diet or by feeding a more concentrated one. Obviously Mrs Tibbs will have to eat more of the normal diet to increase her energy, but will probably keep to the same amount with the concentrated one. This may be important in the later stages of pregnancy when her stomach capacity will be smaller.

When she is feeding the kittens she will need a diet that is very digestible, with good quality protein as well as lots of calories. Fresh water must always be available.

Q: My old dog Sammy has not been well recently. I took him to the vet and they ran a few blood tests and found his kidneys were failing. He is getting a special diet and is looking loads better after his various treatments. I am not sure what all of the diets and treatments do, am I being cruel keeping him alive? Harry Driver.

A: Chronic Renal Failure (also called CRF) is a long-term deterioration in kidney function. It is a progressive disease and diet plays an important part in its management. The altered diet aims to reduce the clinical signs such as excessive drinking, to slow the progression of the disease and to make sure the pet keeps to an ideal bodyweight. The diets will need to supply a moderate level of high quality protein to reduce any waste products yet still maintain the dog's protein needs. Some minerals such as sodium will have to be restricted and with sodium, for example, it is to make sure the pet's blood pressure is controlled. Any food will have to be fed little and often. Sammy will probably also need some medical treatments from your vet to help him, such as vitamin supplements. Providing your dog's quality of life is good there is no reason to think it is time to say 'goodbye'. Discuss your concerns with your vet, and I am sure you will be able to work out what is best for Sammy. Rest assured you will be able to tell when Sammy is not getting what he should out of life.

Q: I am thinking about getting a rabbit. I have read lots of books on them so I feel quite prepared for the commitment of taking on a pet, but I am not sure how I can tell whether one is healthy or not. Can you help? Matthew Homer

A: I am glad you have spent some time researching rabbit care before you take on one, and I am also pleased you recognise how important it is that one is healthy. Rabbits have very lively alert natures and a healthy one will not sit around huddled up with closed eyes. Always check inside the mouth to make sure the front teeth fit together well and do not overlap. If they do not meet properly the rabbit will not be able to eat. Check inside the rabbit's ears for signs of any infection, and make sure their bottom is clean with no signs of diarrhoea such as staining or matted fur. Their eyes and nose should be clean and their claws should not be overgrown.