Source: Wikimedia Commons
Harvest Mouse
AdvancedMicromys minutus
One of Europe's smallest mice, also native to Japan. Adorable climbers using their prehensile tail. Best as a pet to watch.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
18〜26℃
Lifespan
1.5-2.5 years
Size
5-7cm / 5-10g
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Finch seed mix, tiny insects, grains, small amounts of fruit
About
The harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) is one of the smallest rodents in the world, native to grasslands, reedbeds, and cereal fields across Eurasia, from Western Europe to East Asia. Their prehensile tail allows them to grip grass stems while climbing, and they are famous for constructing intricate, spherical nests woven from grass blades above ground level. This nesting behavior can be observed in captive animals given appropriate materials. Harvest mice are delicate and fast-moving; they are better suited as display animals than for regular hands-on interaction. Falls from height can be fatal, so extreme care is required during any handling. Housing should be a tall enclosure with live or artificial grass stems, branches, and deep bedding. Diet is omnivorous: seeds, grains, small insects, and fruit. Common health concerns include hypothermia, fractures, and stress.
Lifespan of the Harvest Mouse
The Harvest Mouse lives 1.5-2.5 years.
Lifespan is 18 months to 2 years.
Size of the Harvest Mouse
The Harvest Mouse grows to 5-7cm / 5-10g.
Adults measure 5–7 cm in body length with a similarly long prehensile tail, and weigh only 5–10 g.
Temperature & humidity for the Harvest Mouse
Optimal temperature is 18–24 °C.
Basic Info
Origin
Eurasia (Western Europe to East Asia)
Lifespan
1.5-2.5 years
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Micromys minutus (Pallas, 1771)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern
Micromys minutus (harvest mouse) is a native species in Japan but is not designated as a rare domestic species under the Species Conservation Law (as of 2026-06).
Sources: Micromys minutus IUCN LC
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Harvest Mouse Listings
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