Weight: 12-30 grams but average is 15 grams (1/2 ounce)
Overall Length: About 175 mm (6.8 inches) including tail
Tail: 60-105 but average is 90 mm (3.5 inches); dark in colour, slightly longer than body
Colour: Brownish grey with grey abdomen
Toes: Four on front paws, five on back paws (about 9 mm in length)
Snout: Pointed
Ears: Large, some hairs
Droppings: Rod or spindle-shaped, 6 mm (1/4 inch)
The House mouse reaches maturity near six weeks and has a life span of about one year. Within her lifetime, a female may bear as many as 8 litters of 5 or 6 young if food and shelter are plentiful. In the summer months, the House mouse may live outdoors burrowing for shelter in concealed areas close to buildings, sidewalks or in underbrush. As cooler weather approaches, however, the House mouse prefers to seek shelter in buildings. Mice may be found anywhere from the basement to the attic. For
nesting sites, they use the space between double walls, floor joists, and concealed, enclosed spaces in cupboards or under counters. Generally, the nest is about 12 cm in diameter, completely covered, with a small entrance hole in one side. This nest is constructed from soft material such as paper or cloth which the mouse has shredded. Although the House mouse will eat any food which is available, it prefers cereal grains and seeds. The House mouse is a nibbler, eating erratically. It requires little water and only about 3 grams of dry food each day. In its search for food, the House mouse travels in a limited range of approximately a 12-metre circle, or within one or two rooms of the house. The dominant male will have several females in his territory. As with all rodents, the House mouse will gnaw its front top and bottom incisors together to keep the front teeth sharp. It can gnaw through wood, aluminum, soft mortar, and asphalt. Also, the House mouse can jump a vertical distance of up to 30 cm, can pass through holes up to 12 mm in diameter, and climb wall studs or other vertical surfaces. With all these abilities, the House mouse can make or discover entrances to buildings. Since the House mouse is a nocturnal animal, it has well developed hearing and touch receptors to alert it in its night-time activities. It will frequently investigate new objects put into its territory.
