How long does a grey mouse live? - briefly
In natural habitats, a common grey mouse typically lives 12–24 months. Under laboratory or pet care, its lifespan can reach up to about three years.
How long does a grey mouse live? - in detail
The gray mouse typically reaches adulthood within six weeks and then experiences a rapid decline in survival rates. In natural habitats, average longevity ranges from 0.5 to 1 year, with most individuals succumbing before the end of the breeding season due to predation, disease, and harsh environmental conditions. In controlled environments—such as laboratory colonies or well‑maintained pet settings—lifespan can extend to 2 – 3 years, and exceptional cases have reached 4 years.
Key factors influencing duration of life:
- Species variant – Mus musculus (common house mouse) generally lives longer than wild field species.
- Habitat – Access to shelter, stable temperature, and low predator density increase survival odds.
- Nutrition – Balanced protein‑rich diets reduce mortality from malnutrition and support immune function.
- Genetics – Inbred laboratory strains may exhibit shorter lifespans due to hereditary defects, whereas outbred populations show greater variability.
- Health management – Regular veterinary care, parasite control, and reduced stress improve longevity in captivity.
Mortality causes differ by setting:
- Wild – Predation (birds, snakes, mammals), extreme weather, competition for food, infectious agents.
- Captive – Neoplasia, renal disease, respiratory infections, age‑related organ failure.
Reproductive pressure also shortens life expectancy; females that breed continuously experience higher metabolic stress and earlier onset of senescence. Conversely, reduced breeding frequency correlates with modest lifespan extensions.
Overall, a gray mouse can be expected to live roughly half a year to one year in the wild, while optimal captive conditions may allow survival for two to three years, with rare individuals surpassing four years.