How should you care for mice? - briefly
Mice require a secure cage with solid flooring («solid flooring»), appropriate bedding, and regular cleaning to prevent disease. A balanced diet of commercial rodent pellets, occasional fresh produce, and constant access to clean water, combined with enrichment items such as tunnels and chew toys, supports health and natural behavior.
How should you care for mice? - in detail
Proper mouse husbandry requires attention to housing, nutrition, health monitoring, handling, and hygiene. Each element influences welfare, breeding success, and research reliability.
A suitable enclosure must provide adequate space, ventilation, and enrichment. Recommended minimum floor area is 0.05 m² per animal; larger cages reduce stress. Use solid-bottom cages with a deep layer of absorbent bedding such as aspen shavings, avoiding pine or cedar that emit harmful oils. Maintain ambient temperature between 20 °C and 26 °C and relative humidity of 40‑60 %. Provide nesting material, tunnels, and chewable objects to satisfy natural behaviors.
Nutrition should consist of a balanced commercial mouse pellet formulated for laboratory or pet use. Supplement the diet with small portions of fresh vegetables (e.g., carrots, broccoli) and occasional protein sources (e.g., boiled egg, mealworms). Ensure continuous access to clean, filtered water, preferably via a sipper bottle to prevent contamination.
Health surveillance includes daily visual checks for signs of respiratory distress, alopecia, weight loss, or abnormal behavior. Record body weight weekly. Isolate new arrivals for a minimum of two weeks to monitor for disease before introduction to the main colony. Consult a veterinarian experienced with rodents at the first indication of illness.
Handling techniques minimize stress and injury. Approach the cage calmly, scoop the mouse with both hands or a cupped palm, and support the body fully. Limit handling sessions to 1‑2 minutes, repeating no more than three times per week for routine procedures. Maintain same-sex groupings unless breeding is planned; group housing promotes social interaction and reduces aggression.
Cleaning schedules balance hygiene with disturbance. Spot‑clean waste daily; perform a full cage change weekly, replacing bedding, food, and water. Use a mild, non‑chlorine disinfectant, rinsing thoroughly before reassembly. Avoid harsh chemicals that can linger on surfaces and affect respiratory health.
Breeding protocols require precise timing. Pair a male and female of appropriate age (6‑8 weeks) for a maximum of five days, then separate to prevent over‑breeding. Gestation lasts approximately 19‑21 days; wean pups at 21 days, providing separate housing with identical environmental conditions. Monitor litter size and mother’s health to adjust nutritional support accordingly.