Mouse basics – complete start with terrarium, substrate, climbing & shopping list

Basic mouse design – how to set up a mouse enclosure in a smart, fun and fresh way

Mice are social, curious climbers who prefer to live in a habitat where they can dig, hide, climb, and above all, forage. However, there's one "classic" problem that almost every mouse owner encounters: urine odor due to territorial marking. On this inspiration page, we'll show you how to build a mouse habitat that's both fun for your group and easy to maintain. Below, you'll find a shopping list of products you can add directly to this category.

1) Start: Mice are social animals – think in zones (and in rest)

Mice generally thrive in stable groups with ample space, multiple hiding places, and plenty of activity. Therefore, organize your enclosure like a small "village" with designated zones:

• Sleeping area (dark, sheltered, multiple exits)
• Digging/soil zone (comfort + absorption + play layer)
• Foraging zone (scattered food, sniffing material, hanging toys)
• Climbing zone (platforms, ladders, hammocks and routes)

Want to learn more about behavior, group housing, and daily care? Then also check out the information on mice .

2) Mouse cage or terrarium: what should you pay attention to?

In practice, we see two good options for mice: a well-ventilated terrarium (useful for deep substrate) or a cage with narrow bars (escape-proof) and plenty of climbing opportunities. More important than "the type" are these points:

• Floor space (wider rather than higher) and space to create zones
• Ventilation (fresh air flow helps keep the room pleasant)
• Escape-proof (small openings, secure closure)
• Ease of maintenance (bottom accessible, accessories removable)

View our range and inspiration at Muizenkooien .

3) Ground cover: comfort + diggability + anti-odor (the golden combination)

Mice mark with small puddles. This is normal behavior, but it requires a smart substrate. We prefer to work with a layered approach :

A) Absorbent base layer (underlayer)

A highly absorbent underlayment helps capture moisture and odors right at the source. Consider a layer of pellets or granules at the bottom (especially useful in areas where "toilet habits" are common). Tip: deliberately make one corner a little more "toilet-friendly" with extra absorbent material.

B) Soft main layer (comfort + tunneling)

Above that is the comfort layer, where mice can scurry and (depending on the mix) even dig tunnels. Preferably choose a low-dust option, especially if you notice your mice are sensitive to dust.

C) Play and foraging layer (top layer)

A play layer really makes a difference: sprinkle (some of) the food, seeds, or small snacks through a top layer and let your mice search. That's enrichment, every day. See also Mice playing & foraging .

Looking for bedding? Go to Mouse bedding .

4) Shelter & nest: houses, tunnels and nesting material

Mice don't like being out in the open. Hiding places provide peace and quiet within the group and make the enclosure more attractive. The guideline: at least one large base house (where the group can fit together) and several smaller hiding places scattered throughout the enclosure.

• Mouse houses – preferably choose models with multiple entrances
• Mouse tunnels – ideal as a route and hiding place
• Mouse nesting material – nest building is really part of being a mouse

Tip: Make one nesting area extra comfortable with plenty of nesting material and a hiding place above it. This creates a sense of calm, especially in a more crowded group.

5) Climbing & routes: make a mouse play park

Mice are fantastic climbers. Give them routes that lead from A to B without them having to constantly descend: platforms, ladders, hammocks, and hanging toys instantly make the habitat more dynamic.

• Mouse platforms & ladders
• Mouse hammocks
• Mouse cage accessories (think of attachments, routes and extras)

Exercise wheel: choose safe and practical

An exercise wheel can be a great way to relax. Choose a model with a safe running surface and a size that's right for your mice. View options at Mouse Exercise Wheels .

6) Feeding & foraging: less "bowl", more searching

Mice are naturally very active foraging and searching. By scattering and hiding (some of) the food, you encourage natural behavior and keep the group active.

• Mouse food – choosing basic food
• Mouse hay, herbs & seeds – enrichment and variety
• Mouse snacks – rewarding and foraging (in moderation)
• Mice gnawing material – demolition is allowed (even encouraged)

Bonus tip: Create a small "harvest patch" by hiding dried plants or seeds in a container with sniffing material. This often provides fifteen minutes of mouse entertainment.

7) Water & accessories: practical and clean

Fresh drinking water should always be available. Many mouse owners choose a drinking bottle because it keeps the water cleaner longer. Sturdy accessories for food and water help minimize spills:

• Mouse drinking bottles & water bowls
• Mouse feeding bowls

8) Smart cleaning: how to keep things fresh without stress in the group

This is key with mice: cleaning everything thoroughly too often can actually lead to mice marking even more ("everything smells new!"). Smart cleaning = targeted cleaning + partial cleaning + addressing persistent urinal areas.

Odor and stain approach (targeted, not "perfumed")

For permanent pee spots (e.g., exercise wheels, corners, cork/wood), a targeted cleaner often works better than "lots of water and scrubbing." In our experience, these are popular choices:

• CSI Urine Spray – for places where you really want to work specifically
• BIO Odor and Stain Remover – handy for daily “quick clean” moments

Tip: Always allow items to dry thoroughly before returning them to the enclosure.

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At the bottom of this category, you can browse the products from the shopping list and easily add them to your basic layout. Have questions or would you like us to help you with your layout? We're happy to help.