How should a white mouse be cared for? - briefly
A white mouse requires a well‑ventilated cage with appropriate bedding, constant access to clean water, and a diet of high‑quality rodent pellets complemented by small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables; the enclosure should stay within 68–77 °F and follow a regular 12‑hour light/dark cycle. Routine health checks, including observation for respiratory issues or skin lesions, and weekly cage cleaning ensure optimal welfare.
How should a white mouse be cared for? - in detail
Caring for a white laboratory or pet mouse demands attention to housing, nutrition, health monitoring, enrichment, and handling.
A suitable cage should be made of solid plastic or metal with a secure lid. Provide a minimum floor area of 300 cm² per animal; larger space reduces stress and aggression. Use a deep layer (≈5 cm) of absorbent bedding such as paper pulp, avoiding cedar or pine which release toxic oils. Maintain temperature between 20–24 °C and relative humidity of 40–60 %. Install a low‑noise ventilation system to keep air fresh without creating drafts.
Nutrition consists of a balanced rodent pellet formulated for mouse growth and maintenance. Offer the pellet ad libitum and supplement with fresh water in an sipper bottle, checked daily for leaks. Include small quantities of fresh vegetables (e.g., carrots, broccoli) and occasional protein treats (hard‑boiled egg, mealworms) no more than twice per week to prevent obesity.
Health surveillance requires daily visual checks for signs of illness: ruffled fur, lethargy, respiratory discharge, abnormal stool, or weight loss. Weigh each mouse weekly; a decline exceeding 10 % of baseline warrants veterinary assessment. Implement a quarantine period of at least two weeks for new arrivals, during which health status is evaluated and parasites are treated if necessary.
Environmental enrichment promotes natural behaviors and reduces stereotypies. Provide nesting material (e.g., shredded paper) for building nests, a cardboard tube for burrowing, and a solid chew block to maintain dental health. Rotate enrichment items weekly to sustain interest.
Handling should be performed with gentle restraint to avoid injury. Use a cupped hand technique: place the mouse on a flat surface, then cover it with the palm while supporting the hindquarters with the other hand. Limit handling sessions to 2–3 minutes and allow the animal to recover before subsequent interactions. Wash hands before and after each session to prevent disease transmission.
Routine cleaning schedule: spot‑clean soiled bedding daily; perform a full cage change weekly, replacing all bedding, cleaning surfaces with a mild detergent, and rinsing thoroughly. Disinfect cages monthly with an approved agent (e.g., 10 % bleach solution) followed by thorough drying.
Record keeping is essential. Log cage identifiers, dates of cleaning, feeding amounts, weight measurements, health observations, and any veterinary interventions. Accurate records facilitate early detection of trends and compliance with animal welfare regulations.