The tubes can become clogged with food debris, so they must be checked daily. The dispensing end of the tube must be accessible to the smallest rodent within the enclosure. Before juveniles are fully weaned, they begin drinking water and eating pelleted foods, so these essentials must be accessible to them at this time. Many deaths involving very young rodents of this age are due to starvation and dehydration. Both mice and rats tend to feed at night, though daytime feeding among both is quite common.
Mice are voracious feeders and consume proportionately more food per day than rats.
This is because of their smaller body size and relatively high metabolic rate. Rats tend to be more reserved in their feeding habits. In fact, rats show great caution and selectivity while eating and tend to avoid unfamiliar foods. As stated above, domestic mice and rats generally tolerate gentle handling, though both may bite if startled or handled roughly. Mice are more likely to bite than rats under these circumstances.