How do you care for mice? - briefly
Provide a balanced diet of commercial mouse pellets supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional protein sources, and ensure constant access to clean water. Maintain a spacious cage with bedding changed weekly, include hiding places and chew toys, and monitor health regularly.
How do you care for mice? - in detail
Caring for mice requires attention to enclosure, nutrition, hydration, enrichment, health monitoring, and hygiene.
A suitable cage should provide at least 0.5 sq ft per animal, solid flooring, and a secure lid. Include a nest box, shelter, and a solid surface for climbing. Bedding made of aspen, paper pellets, or shredded cotton absorbs waste and reduces respiratory irritation; replace it weekly or when soiled.
Nutrition consists of a balanced laboratory mouse diet formulated for protein (15–20 %), fat (4–5 %), and fiber (5 %). Offer fresh food daily; store the bulk supply in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage. Provide unlimited access to clean, filtered water via a sipper bottle; inspect the bottle for leaks and replace the tubing weekly.
Environmental enrichment promotes natural behaviors and reduces stress. Supply chewable items such as wooden blocks or untreated cardboard, a running wheel of appropriate size (diameter ≥ 8 cm), and tunnels or tubes for exploration. Rotate enrichment objects regularly to maintain interest.
Health monitoring includes daily visual checks for signs of illness: lethargy, ruffled fur, nasal or ocular discharge, abnormal breathing, or changes in weight. Weigh each mouse weekly; a loss of more than 10 % of body weight warrants veterinary evaluation. Maintain a vaccination and parasite control schedule as recommended by a veterinarian experienced with rodents.
Cleaning procedures involve removing soiled bedding, wiping surfaces with a mild, non‑abrasive disinfectant, and rinsing thoroughly to eliminate residues. Perform a deep clean of the entire enclosure monthly, replacing all bedding and sanitizing accessories.
Handling should be gentle and consistent. Use cupped hands or a small cup to scoop the mouse, avoiding tail grabs that can cause injury. Limit handling sessions to a few minutes to reduce stress; allow the animal to acclimate before more extensive manipulation.
If breeding is intended, separate males from females after weaning (typically at 3–4 weeks) to prevent unwanted litters. Provide a nest box with soft material for females to construct a nest; monitor the gestation period (approximately 19–21 days) and wean pups at 21 days.
Common issues include respiratory infections, dermatitis, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Prompt isolation of affected individuals, veterinary diagnosis, and appropriate treatment reduce the risk of outbreak.
By adhering to these guidelines—adequate housing, balanced diet, constant water supply, environmental enrichment, vigilant health checks, regular sanitation, careful handling, and controlled breeding—mouse caretakers ensure optimal welfare and reliable experimental outcomes.