How long do mice live in captivity? - briefly
Domestic mice usually live between 1.5 and 3 years, with most laboratory strains reaching about 2 years under optimal care. Longevity varies with strain, diet, housing conditions, and health management.
How long do mice live in captivity? - in detail
Mice kept under human care typically live between one and three years, with variations caused by genetics, diet, housing conditions, and health management.
Laboratory strains such as C57BL/6 or BALB/c commonly reach 24–30 months when provided with sterile bedding, ad libitum chow, and routine veterinary oversight. Outbred stock, for example CD‑1, often shows slightly shorter lifespans, averaging 18–24 months.
Pet mice, usually house‑mouse (Mus musculus) or fancy varieties, experience a broader range. Proper nutrition, enrichment, and regular cleaning allow many individuals to survive 2–3 years; exceptional cases reach four years.
Key factors influencing longevity:
- Genetic background: Inbred lines exhibit more predictable lifespans; outbred populations display greater variability.
- Nutrition: Balanced protein–carbohydrate ratios and micronutrient supplementation extend survival; obesity or malnutrition shorten it.
- Environment: Stable temperature (20–26 °C), low humidity fluctuations, and minimal stressors reduce mortality.
- Health care: Prompt treatment of common ailments—respiratory infections, dermatitis, neoplasia—adds months to life expectancy.
Primary causes of death include neoplastic disease (especially lymphoma and mammary tumors), renal failure, and severe respiratory infections. Early euthanasia is often employed to prevent suffering when disease progresses rapidly.
In summary, captive mice generally live 12–36 months, with optimal husbandry and strain selection pushing the upper limit toward four years.