How do you water mice? - briefly
Provide mice with a clean, refillable water bottle fitted with a sipper tube, ensuring the bottle is positioned so the tip remains submerged and the tube stays unobstructed. Check the supply daily and replace the bottle when it becomes dirty or the flow slows.
How do you water mice? - in detail
Providing adequate hydration to laboratory or pet mice requires precise control of water availability, monitoring of consumption, and maintenance of a sanitary delivery system.
Water should be supplied through a sealed bottle equipped with a stainless‑steel or plastic sipper tube. The bottle must be filled with fresh, filtered water daily to prevent bacterial growth. The sipper tube should be inspected for cracks or blockage before each refill; damaged components compromise intake and can cause contamination.
To ensure consistent intake, place the bottle at a height that allows the mouse to reach the sipper without excessive strain. The bottle’s vent should remain unobstructed to maintain proper pressure and prevent leakage. Record the volume of water offered and the amount remaining after 24 hours to track individual or cage consumption. Deviations from typical intake (approximately 4–7 ml per 30 g mouse) may indicate health issues.
When using automated watering systems, calibrate the dispensing mechanism according to the cage size and mouse density. Verify that the tubing is flushed with sterile water weekly and that the reservoir is cleaned with a mild disinfectant, followed by thorough rinsing.
For short‑term experiments requiring restricted water access, employ a measured drop‑per‑minute system or a calibrated pipette to deliver precise volumes. Document the exact quantity administered to each animal and monitor body weight daily; a loss exceeding 5 % of baseline weight necessitates immediate veterinary evaluation.
In summary, optimal hydration management for mice involves:
- Daily replacement of fresh water in sealed bottles.
- Routine inspection and maintenance of sipper tubes and vents.
- Accurate recording of offered and consumed volumes.
- Regular cleaning of automated delivery components.
- Immediate response to irregular consumption patterns.
Adherence to these procedures ensures reliable water intake, supports animal welfare, and maintains experimental integrity.