Egyptian Spiny Mouse

Coat and looks how to spot one

spiny back, soft belly

A mouse with a band of stiff, bristle-like hairs along its back that feel a little like hedgehog spines, a pale soft underside, large ears and a scaly, almost hairless tail.123

Personality what they are like

An outgoing, group-living mouse that is busy and inquisitive. It is better enjoyed as a watching pet than a cuddly one, as its tail is delicate and should never be used for handling.123

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Active and agile; provide rocks, ledges, tunnels and a solid wheel so the group can climb and run.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Grooms itself and its companions. Never pick it up by the tail, because the tail skin is fragile; scoop it gently with cupped hands instead.3

Home where they are happiest

A secure tank or cage furnished like its native rocky, dry habitat, with climbing structures, hides and dry substrate.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An opportunistic omnivore: seeds, grains, fruit, greens and dried plants, plus small insects as a protein source.12

Company who they like around

Strongly social and should be kept in groups; in the wild it lives in small family groups led by a dominant male, and females help each other with newborns.123

The story where it all began

Native to rocky deserts and the edges of human settlements in North Africa, this mouse has been studied widely by scientists interested in its unusual biology. It is now a popular exotic pet in Europe and the United States.123