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African pygmy mice (mus minutoides), or Apm for short, are a sub-Saharan species of rodent, which are quite possibly the smallest species of rodent on earth. They are of interest to herpeteculturist because of their extremely tiny pups, which can be used to entice small individual snakes, or small species of snake, to eat their first meals. Gestation is similar to other species of rodent at approximately 20 days, and liters of more than three pups are rare. Sexual maturity is reached at 6 weeks, and under optimum care Apm can be expected to live for as long as 2 years. Like many species of rodents which are new to captivity, they produce very little odor, but what little odor they do produce can drive picky snakes to eat. Being good jumpers and too fragile for all but the most careful handling, they are not good captives for young or inexperienced keepers. - Housing- Because of their small relative size, Apm can do very well in small 5 or 10-gallon aquariums, although larger caging will be relished. Because of their extreme propensity to jump, having an enclosure, which has tall sides, will be a great asset in limiting escapes. A secure cover is a must. Avoid using ¼" hardware cloth for cage lids as young mice will be able to pass right through this. Instead use tops made of a smaller mesh size.
- Food - Provide Apm with seed mixes which consist mainly of tiny seeds such as millet. Sunflower seeds and other seeds of that approximate size are too large to be broken down and may be left alone. Additionally some form of protein is needed, such as dog or cat kibble, or even rodent chow. Dried alfalfa and the occasional fresh vegetables such as cucumber can be offered as a treat.
- Water – Only small 4 or 6 ounce chew proof water bottles that do NOT utilize a ball type dripper system should be used. Apm are too small to push against the ball bearings hard enough to operate them, especially when larger and/or full bottles are used.
- Bedding- Any of the standard rodent beddings will suffice, however, we have found that the stranded aspen bedding is particularly good. Apm are tunnel builders and the aspen bedding is an ideal construction material. Also, because of their diminutive size and their status as being "new to captivity", they produce very little odor,so unless conditions deteriorate for some reason there is no need to replace bedding more often than every other month or so. The Apm will appreciate not being disturbed.
- Cohabitation- Any reasonable number of females can be kept together however, the males do have a tendency to bite off each other’s tails and ears. Males may be be kept together if not in the presence of females. Being social creatures, Apm are happiest when in groups, and very unhappy when kept alone.
- Furniture- Apm will soon construct their own underground complex, and for this reason, no cage furniture is required. Cardboard tubes and variose hiding boxes can be provided, which may or may not be incorporated into their constructions.
- Temperature-Being an African species, Apm do not tolerate cold temperatures very well. Temperatures of between 65 and 75 degrees are ideal.
Interesting Fact! 
African Pygmy Mice living in the wild will stack pebbles near the front of their dens to collect dew, and in the morning drink it off the surface !
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African Pygmy Mice Caresheet