| How-to for Homemade Toys |
| Exercise obviously helps to keep a mouse in shape, but it is also a very important part of entertainment in their everyday lives. Some of the most simple constructions can create hours of fun for your pet. Below, you will find examples of easy-to-do and inexpensive toys to provide for your mice: |
| The first toy that I have to mention, although is not homemade, is a wheel. They can be purchased in any pet shop ranging from $5-$10. To the right I have placed a picture of a desired style of a wheel for your mice. The wheel should have a diameter wide enough that the mouse's back is not arched when running. Solid wheels are best, and metal wheels will last longer than plastic. |
| Ladder: These can be connected to one another or connect different levels of a cage. |
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| Cut cardboard into a narrow long strip with scissors or utility knife. Turn cardboard vertically and cut slits wide enough for your mice to fit their feet in. (about 1/4 inch). These slits will act as the rungs of the ladder. |
| _______________ I I I ------------------ I I ------------------ I I ------------------ I I ------------------ I I ------------------ I I ------------------ I I ------------------ I I ------------------ I I_____________ I |
| Should look similar to this ---------> |
| Tubes: Your mice will love to run, hide, and play in any type of tube. Toilet paper and paper towl tubes are great for this. They can be placed in the cage as they are or you can be creative and make a maze-type tubing for them to run through. |
| Cut a hole in a tube slightly larger than the end of the other tube you wish to connect. Shove one tube into the tube that you cut the hole. This should create somewhat of a cross. This procedure can be done several times depending on how big you would like the tubing to be. |
| Block of Cheese: Although it is a myth that mice love cheese, this block of cheese will be loved by every mouse. They will love running through the holes, and climbing to the top. |
| Cut two squares out of cardboard about 5 1/2 inches wide and 5 1/2 inches tall. Cut a third piece of cardboard about 3 inches wide and 5 1/2 inches tall. Cut holes in each piece of cardboard about an inch in diameter evenly spaced (similar to a block of cheese). Next, tape the side to one another leaving the top and bottom open. It will resemble a triangle. Now place in their cage ( it might need to be secured to the bottom or side of cage to prevent it from tiping over.) Now its ready for them to enjoy. |
| Old Fish Aquarium Accessories: Most old fish aquarium accessories make great toys for your mice. Ones that have holes big enough for your mouse to fit through and play inside are the best. Sometimes these can be purchased at yard sales for very little money. Just be sure to clean them with hot water and bleach, or soap, and rinse thoroughly. |
| Sleeping Quarters: Hiding places are important for your mice. This gives them a place to sleep and feel safe inside their own home. |
| Cut 5 squares of any size (around 5 inches) out of the cardboard to make a box with a top but no bottom. Tape sides and top together. Cut an arch where the desired front of the house will be. The finished project should look similar to this: -------------------------------------------> |
| I---------------------------------------I I I I I I _________ I I / \ I I / \ I I----------/ \------------I |
| you'll need: cardboard, scissors or utility knife |
| you'll need: toilet paper or paper towl rolls, scissors or utility knife |
| you'll need: cardboard, scissors or utility knife, tape |
| you'll need: cardboard, scissors or utility knife, tape |
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