The brood mouse is relatively docile and can get along with humans. They are 5-8 cm long and weigh about 8 g. They are smaller than house mice. Can close ear holes.

The brood mice are often nocturnal, sometimes both day and night. During the day, it is common for young brood mice to stay in the nest, while female brood mice come out of the burrow. Small and flexible, it likes to climb, and often uses its tail to assist its limbs in foraging on crop ears or between branches. Occasionally swim in shallow water.