Spiny Mouse - Strong, agile – and prefers to keep its distance
Species-appropriate husbandry – How to make them feel comfortable
Togetherness
Spiny mice should not live alone. They feel most comfortable in pairs or small groups – provided there are sufficient hiding places.
Heights and Hiding Places
A small mammal terrarium or rodentarium measuring at least 100 × 50 × 75 cm is ideal for two animals. With levels, tubes, stones, branches, and retreats, it becomes a species-appropriate home. Plan for at least 20% more space for each additional animal.
Digging & Enrichment
At least 5 cm of substrate, a sand bath, hay piles, gnawing material, and a running disc provide exercise and mental stimulation.
Cleanliness & Hygiene
🧽 Targeted cleaning
👃 Familiar scents
Spiny mice are very sensitive to smells. Too radical cleaning can stress them – a regular but gentle change of bedding is preferable. It helps to leave some of the old bedding to retain familiar scents.
Gentle Changes
The substrate should be renewed once a week. It is advisable to mix in some old bedding to retain familiar scents and avoid stress.
Balanced Cleaning
Only clean heavily soiled areas in between. This keeps the enclosure hygienic without unsettling the animals through constant changes.
Scent Provides Security
Spiny mice orient themselves using scent trails. A careful cleaning rhythm supports their social behavior and ensures a stable environment.
Bedding
Nutrition
🥒 Fresh vegetables
🥚 Protein supplements
Spiny mice are omnivores: A mixture of high-quality, sugar-free small mammal food with seeds and herbs forms the basis. Additionally, fresh vegetables (e.g., cucumber, carrot) and occasional animal protein sources like insects or boiled egg should be provided. Water should always be available in a sipper bottle.
Dry Food as a Basis
The foundation for a balanced diet is a mixture of high-quality, sugar-free small mammal food with seeds and herbs.
Fresh Nutrients
Cucumbers, carrots, and other vegetable varieties supplement the diet. They provide variety, supply important nutrients, and promote health.
Don’t Forget Protein
Occasionally, animal protein, such as insects or boiled egg, should also be fed. Fresh water should always be available in a sipper bottle and a water bowl.
Activity
📦 Tubes & hiding places
🎲 Variety in the enclosure
Climbing opportunities, cork tubes, hiding places, and sand baths promote natural behavior. Particularly important is a structured enclosure with varied furnishings where they can jump, dig, and retreat.
Movement is Essential
Spiny mice are very active and require numerous climbing opportunities. A structured enclosure promotes their natural behavior and keeps the animals fit.
Hiding and Playing
Cork tubes, small houses, and other hiding places are important. They encourage spiny mice to explore and simultaneously provide them with security and peace.
Structure Brings Variety
Sand baths, gnawing material, and a running disc provide activity. Different levels make the enclosure exciting and varied.
