Natal multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis)

Short answers

Natal multimammate mouse: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 100×50×80 cm (for a group of 3–5 animals; derived from TVT leaflet no. 158 'Mice', which already asks 80×50×80 cm for the smaller fancy mice – multimammate mice weigh about twice as much). Add roughly 20 % floor area per extra animal. Well ventilated (mesh top or wood/glass rodent enclosure), several levels, houses and tubes; solid running wheel of at least 28 cm diameter. Escape-proof, bar spacing no more than 7 mm.

Natal multimammate mouse: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–24 °C room temperature; avoid draughts, direct sun and spots next to radiators., at night At night it may drop to about 18 °C, not lower.

Natal multimammate mouse: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not needed – nocturnal mammal, normal daylight in the room is enough.

Natal multimammate mouse: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: Usually 2–3 years in human care.

Natal multimammate mouse: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–24 °C room temperature; avoid draughts, direct sun and spots next to radiators.

Night temperature

At night it may drop to about 18 °C, not lower.

Humidity

40–60 % (normal room air; above 60 % and wet bedding encourage skin and respiratory problems)

UVB

Not needed – nocturnal mammal, normal daylight in the room is enough.

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 100×50×80 cm (for a group of 3–5 animals; derived from TVT leaflet no. 158 'Mice', which already asks 80×50×80 cm for the smaller fancy mice – multimammate mice weigh about twice as much). Add roughly 20 % floor area per extra animal. Well ventilated (mesh top or wood/glass rodent enclosure), several levels, houses and tubes; solid running wheel of at least 28 cm diameter. Escape-proof, bar spacing no more than 7 mm.

Substrate

15–20 cm of low-dust small-animal bedding or wood shavings mixed with hay and straw so tunnels hold; hay and unprinted kitchen paper as nesting material.

Feeding

Food

Good mouse or gerbil mix (seeds, grain), a little vegetable and herbs daily, little fruit. Animal protein once or twice a week: insects (live or dried), hard-boiled egg or low-fat quark. Hay and unsprayed fruit-tree twigs always available, fresh water in a bowl.

Feeding interval

Feed once a day in the evening, remove fresh food after a few hours.

Key facts

Adult size

Head-body 9–15 cm, tail about as long; 40–80 g, males heavier.

Life expectancy

Usually 2–3 years in human care.

Origin

Sub-Saharan Africa: savannah, bushland, fields and settlements; a typical follower of human settlement. Animals in the trade come from laboratory and feeder breeding stock.

Protection status

Not protected: not on the EU list of invasive species, the German BArtSchV, the EU wildlife trade regulation or CITES. Keeping is allowed without papers; animal welfare law applies.

Brumation

None – keep evenly warm all year.

Cohabitation

Group. Least stressful are same-sex groups of littermates (females usually get on better); mixed groups only with a neutered male, otherwise young every three to four weeks. Introduce unfamiliar adults slowly and on neutral ground.

Notes

Scientific name: almost always sold as Mastomys natalensis; genetic studies show, however, that most laboratory, pet and feeder stocks are Southern multimammate mice (Mastomys coucha) – the two species look identical and are kept the same way. The species is also bred as a feeder animal. Only feed live vertebrates if the animal refuses dead food – frozen food is less stressful for both. Killing only by competent persons (§ 4 German Animal Welfare Act). Wild animals in West Africa carry Lassa virus; captive-bred animals from controlled breeding are considered safe, still wash hands after contact.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Natal multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis) in the marketplace →

Related species

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• Four-toed hedgehog (African pygmy hedgehog) (Atelerix albiventris) – Intermediate
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All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Natal multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 100×50×80 cm (for a group of 3–5 animals; derived from TVT leaflet no. 158 'Mice', which already asks 80×50×80 cm for the smaller fancy mice – multimammate mice weigh about twice as much). Add roughly 20 % floor area per extra animal. Well ventilated (mesh top or wood/glass rodent enclosure), several levels, houses and tubes; solid running wheel of at least 28 cm diameter. Escape-proof, bar spacing no more than 7 mm.), substrate (15–20 cm of low-dust small-animal bedding or wood shavings mixed with hay and straw so tunnels hold; hay and unprinted kitchen paper as nesting material.), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.