How long does an ordinary mouse live? - briefly
A typical house mouse reaches an age of roughly one to two years when kept under standard conditions; in natural environments its lifespan generally falls between six and twelve months.
How long does an ordinary mouse live? - in detail
A common house mouse (Mus musculus) typically reaches adulthood within six weeks and then begins its reproductive phase. In natural environments the average lifespan is 6–12 months, with most individuals dying before their first birthday due to predation, disease, and harsh weather.
In laboratory or pet settings, where hazards are minimized, the same species can live 2–3 years, and exceptional cases have reached 4 years. Longevity depends on several factors:
- Genetics: Certain strains possess longer natural lifespans.
- Diet: Balanced nutrition and calorie restriction can extend life expectancy.
- Environment: Stable temperature, low stress, and absence of predators improve survival rates.
- Health care: Routine veterinary monitoring reduces mortality from infections and tumors.
Typical causes of death differ by setting. In the wild, predation (birds, snakes, mammals) and exposure to pathogens are primary. In captivity, age‑related diseases such as lymphoma, renal failure, and cardiovascular issues become more prevalent.
Overall, a typical mouse lives less than a year in the wild, while under controlled conditions it may survive up to three years, with rare outliers living longer.