How many days do mice live? - briefly
Laboratory mice typically survive 1.5–2.5 years, which equals approximately 550–910 days, while pet mice can reach up to about 3 years (≈1,095 days).
How many days do mice live? - in detail
Mice typically survive between one and three years, which translates to roughly 365 – 1,095 days. Laboratory strains live longer than their wild counterparts because of controlled nutrition, disease‑free environments, and selective breeding.
- Average lifespan in a research setting: 2 years (≈730 days).
- C57BL/6: 2.5 years (≈912 days).
- BALB/c: 2 years (≈730 days).
- Typical lifespan in the wild: 12 months (≈365 days).
- Predation, seasonal scarcity, and parasites limit longevity.
- Maximum reported lifespan: 3 years (≈1,095 days) under optimal husbandry, including enriched cages, balanced diet, and regular health monitoring.
Factors influencing daily survival include:
- Genetic background: Certain inbred lines possess slower aging phenotypes, extending life expectancy.
- Sex: Females often outlive males by 10‑15 %, adding several dozen days.
- Dietary regimen: Caloric restriction can add 10‑20 % to total days lived.
- Housing conditions: Temperature stability (20‑24 °C) and low stress reduce mortality.
- Health interventions: Prophylactic antibiotics and regular veterinary checks prevent early deaths from infectious disease.
Mortality peaks occur around 300 days for wild mice and 600 days for laboratory mice, corresponding to the onset of age‑related pathologies such as neoplasia, renal decline, and cardiovascular dysfunction. Continuous monitoring of body weight, activity levels, and clinical signs allows researchers to predict the end of life within a window of ±10 days.
In summary, the expected number of days a mouse lives ranges from 365 in natural habitats to up to 1,095 under ideal laboratory conditions, with precise values determined by strain, sex, diet, and environmental management.