From A curly-coated variety of the fancy mouse, shown in Britain under the name Astrex. Club naming differs: the AFRMA notes that the UK National Mouse Club uses 'Rex' for the coat it calls Frizzled.12
A fancy mouse with wavy, curly fur and bent, curly whiskers. Babies have a tight curl, and as the hair follicles grow larger the coat relaxes around ten weeks of age into a looser, slightly rougher adult texture.16
Personality what they are like
Coat type has no effect on character, so these are typical fancy mice: lively, curious and happiest with mouse company. With calm, gentle handling close to the ground they settle well and seldom nip, and the AFRMA expects every show mouse to be easy to handle.457
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Busy and quick, most active at night and around dusk and dawn. Offer a solid-surface wheel, ropes, branches, tubes and tunnels, and scatter part of the food so they can forage.589
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
No brushing is needed; mice look after their own coats. Keep bedding clean and dry, spot-clean daily and fully clean the cage every one to two weeks.8
Home where they are happiest
A roomy, escape-proof cage with bar gaps under 5 mm, at least 2 cm of dust-free bedding plus paper or hay for nesting, hides with more than one exit, a solid wheel and climbing items. Keep it well ventilated, out of draughts and away from heat.8
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Complete mouse nuggets as the main food, with small portions of vegetables and fruit counted into the daily amount. Scatter some of the ration for foraging and provide fresh water from a bottle, checked daily.9
Company who they like around
Sociable animals that do best in stable, same-sex groups. Females usually live together easily; males are best kept with brothers they grew up with. Avoid swapping members in a settled group.104
The story where it all began
Rex is the general name for soft, curly fur in mammals, seen in cats, rabbits, hamsters and mice. In British mouse shows the curly mouse is exhibited as the Astrex within the Any Other Variety group, while naming between clubs varies, so the same word can mean different coats on each side of the Atlantic.612
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
A rex mouse's tight baby curls loosen at about ten weeks old as its hair follicles get bigger.1
2
Rex mice have curly whiskers as well as curly fur.1
3
'Rex' is a name used across many mammals for soft, curly fur caused by changes in the hair's structure, from rex rabbits to rex cats.6
4
Names get mixed up between countries: the AFRMA notes the UK club's 'Rex' is the coat Americans call Frizzled.2
Recognised by the official bits
National Mouse Club (UK)
Astrex is shown in the Any Other Variety (AOV) group; a 1998 UK club page described Rex as not yet standardised at that time.1
American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (AFRMA)
Has no variety called Rex or Astrex; its curly coats are the Frizzie, Frizzie Satin and Frizzled. It notes the NMC calls the Frizzled coat 'Rex'.2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Rex Mouse. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Spot cleanevery 2 days
Full cleanevery week
Nest refreshevery week
Vet check-upevery year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Hamster and Gerbil Fresh Veggie and Herb Mix
A simple, safe daily supplement that provides essential vitamins, hydration and enrichment for hamsters and gerbils.
You need
1 small piece of carrot (about the size of a pea)
1 small piece of broccoli (about the size of a pea)
1 small piece of cucumber (about the size of a pea)
1 small piece of apple (without seeds, about the size of a pea)
1 small leaf of basil or parsley
How
Wash all fresh ingredients thoroughly.
Cut the carrot, broccoli, cucumber and apple into pieces no larger than a pea.
Tear the herb leaf into tiny pieces.
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.
Offer a total of 1.5 to 4.5 teaspoons of this mix per day, depending on the size of your pet.
How much: 1.5 to 4.5 teaspoons per day for hamsters and gerbils
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Rex Mouse?
Feed your Rex Mouse daily with complete mouse nuggets as the main food, but the exact amount depends on age and activity; check with your vet for a precise plan.9
What should a Rex Mouse eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed complete mouse nuggets as the main diet, plus small portions of vegetables and fruit. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol (see R_toxic for full list).911
Should I bathe a Rex Mouse?
No, Rex Mice are excellent self-groomers and do not need baths. Focus on keeping their cage clean and dry.8
Does a Rex Mouse need brushing?
No, Rex Mice do not need brushing; they groom themselves. Just keep their bedding clean.8
How do I look after a Rex Mouse's nails and teeth?
Nails and teeth usually wear down naturally with activity and a proper diet. If you notice overgrowth, consult an exotic-pet vet for guidance.
How much space and exercise does a Rex Mouse need?
Provide a roomy, escape-proof cage with a solid wheel, ropes, tunnels, and climbing items. Scatter food for foraging. They are most active at night and dusk/dawn.589
Should a Rex Mouse live alone or with friends?
Rex Mice are very sociable and should live with same-sex companions. Females can often be kept together; males do best with littermates. Never introduce strangers to an established group.104
How long does a Rex Mouse live?
Rex Mice typically live between 1.5 and 3 years, with proper care.345
Is a Rex Mouse a good pet for children?
With calm, gentle handling close to the ground, they are usually easy to handle and seldom nip. However, they are most active at night, so they may not be ideal for very young children. Supervision is recommended.457
How do I hold a Rex Mouse?
Hold your Rex Mouse gently and calmly, close to the ground to prevent injury if they jump. Let them come to you and support their body.457
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Frizzy Mouse
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Fancy Mouse