Can I keep pet mice in New Zealand? What breeds are available there?

Hello. Guinea pigs are not native to NZ. They come from the Andes region of South America. I believe they are acceptable pets in NZ as they are very popular pets here in the US. All GPs are approximately the same size but come as different varieties such as the long haired Abyssinian or Peruvian, to the short-haired American. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

The following 8 exotic animal diseases in New Zealand affect multiple species of animals: 1. Rabies 2. Anthrax 3. Babesiosis 4. Bluetongue 5. Mad cow disease 6. Leishmaniosis 7. Anaplasmosis 8. Q fever To prevent these diseases, any animals that are imported into the country are subject to strict biosecurity measures and quarantine procedures. For example, cats and dogs who are imported into New Zealand must go through a series of tests before they are allowed to be imported in and then are quarantined for a specified length of time. The tests that need to be given and the quarantine time varies on the country from which the animal is being imported. You can check out MPI's website for more information.

I would check with MPI for these legal requirements. There are certain animals that cannot be imported into the country due to biosecurity, and depending on which bird or reptile you want to keep, there will be different legal requirements.

I do not recommend it. Wild mice can carry many diseases including hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), Tularemia, and Salmonella. It's a very real concern with keeping these wild animals, and I highly recommend getting an exterminator in to get rid of them. I hope this helps.

yes, mice can make good pets if you handle them enough. They need their cage cleaned once a week. Rats can also make very engaging pets. Here is a link that can help: https://www.petcoach.co/article/toys-and-other-environmental-enrichment-for-rats-and-mice/ i hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Mice are prolific breeders. Gestation is about 3 weeks and they can reproduce throughout the year having 5-10 litters each year. Separating males from females is necessary to stop breeding. Females can breed at 3 weeks of age, so it is important to separate them prior to this age.

Mice make very fun little pets! You will want to use a bedding substrate that is dust free. I recommend Care Fresh. It will need to be changed about once weekly. They love the have the little wheels to run in and most of them enjoy another mouse for company. You can give them a sock to make a nest out of but it should not be the primary bedding. In general you will not need an additional heat source as long as the house is warm. Keep the cage away from drafty windows and in a warm room. Mice also like to have toilet paper tubes and boxes to play and hide in. Make sure as well that you are feeding an appropriate diet meant for mice. Let me know if you have any other questions!