How should house mice be kept? - briefly
House mice require a well‑ventilated cage with a solid floor, nesting material, and a nutritionally balanced diet. Maintain ambient temperature at 20‑24 °C, clean the enclosure regularly, and provide enrichment items to reduce stress.
How should house mice be kept? - in detail
Proper care of house mice requires attention to housing, nutrition, environmental enrichment, health monitoring, and sanitation.
A suitable cage should be solid‑bottom, escape‑proof, and provide at least 30 cm² of floor space per animal. Wire or clear acrylic panels allow observation while preventing injury. Bedding made of absorbent, dust‑free material (e.g., paper pulp) should be at least 5 cm deep to facilitate nesting and waste absorption. Provide a nest box or hideout to satisfy the species’ instinct to conceal themselves.
Nutrition must be balanced and consistent. Offer a commercially formulated mouse pellet or mash that meets the recommended protein (14–20 %), fat (4–6 %), and fiber (3–5 %) levels. Supplement with fresh vegetables (e.g., carrot, broccoli) in small quantities, and replace water daily using a sipper bottle to prevent contamination.
Environmental enrichment promotes natural behaviors and reduces stress. Include chewable items such as untreated wooden blocks, cardboard tunnels, and paper rolls. Rotate objects weekly to maintain novelty. Provide a wheel with a diameter of at least 30 mm, secured to prevent escape, to allow voluntary exercise.
Health monitoring involves regular observation for signs of illness: ruffled fur, lethargy, respiratory distress, or abnormal droppings. Conduct weekly weight checks and maintain a record of any clinical symptoms. Quarantine new arrivals for at least two weeks before introducing them to an established group to prevent disease transmission.
Sanitation practices are essential for disease control. Spot‑clean waste daily and perform a full cage change weekly, replacing bedding, food, and water. Use mild, non‑toxic disinfectants (e.g., diluted hydrogen peroxide) for cage components, ensuring thorough rinsing before reuse.
By adhering to these guidelines—secure housing, appropriate diet, enrichment, vigilant health checks, and rigorous cleanliness—domestic mice can thrive in a laboratory or pet setting.