Striped Grass Mouse
Lemniscomys barbarus
Also called Barbary striped grass mouse, Zebra mouse
A lively, fast-moving mouse that is awake in daylight, which makes it a rewarding animal to observe.
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.022 to 0.048 kg (0 to 0 lb)1 |
| Length | 8 to 12 cm (3 to 5 in)1 |
| Lifespan | 3 to 4.5 years1 |
| Coat | Striped fur |
| Origin | Coastal north-west Africa: Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia12 |
| Last checked | 2026-09-30 |
Personality what they are like
A lively, fast-moving mouse that is awake in daylight, which makes it a rewarding animal to observe. It tends to stay close to home and is not especially social.1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Striped Grass Mouse. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Fresh food and waterevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- Full cleanevery week
- EnrichmentNew things to explore every dayevery day
- Nails checkevery month
- Weigh inevery 2 weeks
- Vet check-upFind a vet who sees exotic petsevery year
Coat and looks how to spot one
striped fur
A slim, long-tailed mouse with a bold striped back: one dark line down the spine flanked by several pairs of alternating light and dark stripes, with a white belly.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Very active by day; give it room to run, dig and forage among grass and cover.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Self-grooming. Provide hay and grass stems, which it naturally cuts and stores in little piles.1
Home where they are happiest
A secure, roomy enclosure with diggable substrate and dense cover, reflecting its wild home in scrub, dunes and thick grassland.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mostly plant-based: grass stems, leaves, roots, seeds and fruit, with an occasional insect.13
Company who they like around
Described as not highly social in the wild and usually found close to its own burrow.1
The story where it all began
Once thought to range across much of Africa, it is now treated as a species found only north of the Sahara, the northernmost of the striped grass mice. It is one of the striped grass mice most often kept in captivity.23
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN
- Least Concern2
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Striped Grass Mouse?
Feed your Striped Grass Mouse fresh food and water every day, as Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests. Their diet is mostly plant-based, so offer grass stems, leaves, seeds, and fruit daily. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.13 Pet Wiki plan
What should a Striped Grass Mouse eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A Striped Grass Mouse enjoys grass stems, leaves, roots, seeds, fruit, and an occasional insect. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, as listed in general pet safety guidance. Always stick to safe plant-based items and ask your vet for a full list.134
Should I bathe a Striped Grass Mouse?
No, Striped Grass Mice are self-grooming and do not need baths. Bathing can stress them and disrupt their natural coat. Provide hay and grass stems for them to cut and store, which keeps them clean and happy.1
Does a Striped Grass Mouse need brushing?
No, these mice groom themselves very well. Instead of brushing, offer hay and grass stems for them to naturally cut and arrange. This supports their instinctive behavior and keeps their coat in good condition.1
How do I look after a Striped Grass Mouse's nails and teeth?
Check your mouse's nails monthly, as Pet Wiki's plan suggests, and trim if needed with guidance from a vet. For teeth, provide hay and grass stems for natural wear; if you notice overgrowth, consult an exotic-pet vet. Regular weigh-ins every two weeks help monitor overall health.1 Pet Wiki plan
How much space and exercise does a Striped Grass Mouse need?
This lively, day-active mouse needs a roomy enclosure with deep diggable substrate and dense cover to run, dig, and forage. Pet Wiki recommends daily enrichment with new things to explore. A secure habitat with plenty of space keeps them active and content.1 Pet Wiki plan
Should a Striped Grass Mouse live alone or with friends?
Striped Grass Mice are not highly social and tend to stay near their own burrow, so they often do well living alone. If you want to keep more than one, ask a good breeder about compatibility, as individual temperaments vary.1
How long does a Striped Grass Mouse live?
With proper care, a Striped Grass Mouse typically lives 3 to 4.5 years. Providing a good diet, spacious habitat, and regular vet check-ups can help them thrive throughout their lifespan.1
Is a Striped Grass Mouse a good pet for children?
These lively, fast-moving mice are rewarding to observe but can be skittish, so they may not suit very young children. With gentle, supervised handling and a calm environment, older children can enjoy watching their natural behaviors. Always teach respect for the animal's space.1
How do I hold a Striped Grass Mouse?
Approach your mouse slowly and let it come to you, as they are not especially social and may be nervous. Support its body fully with both hands and keep handling sessions brief. For specific techniques, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.1
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.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- Animal Diversity Web: Lemniscomys barbarus animaldiversity.orgused for range, habitat, size, weight, lifespan, stripes, diet, behaviour, research use
- Wikipedia: Barbary striped grass mouse en.wikipedia.orgused for range, taxonomy, captivity, IUCN status
- Wikipedia: Lemniscomys en.wikipedia.orgused for genus description, diet, northernmost species
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.