How should you keep mice in a cage? - briefly
Provide a spacious cage with solid flooring, nesting material, a secure lid, and daily fresh food and water, while cleaning bedding weekly. Include enrichment items such as tunnels or chew toys and maintain ambient temperature between 68 °F and 77 °F.
How should you keep mice in a cage? - in detail
A suitable cage for laboratory or pet mice must provide at least 30 cm² of floor space per animal, with a minimum height of 15 cm to allow standing. For groups, multiply the area accordingly; overcrowding leads to stress and aggression.
Bedding should be absorbent, non‑clumping, and dust‑free. Aspen shavings, paper pulp, or shredded cellulose are preferred. Replace soiled material at least twice weekly, and perform a full substrate change every two to three weeks.
Nutrition requires a balanced rodent pellet formulated for the specific strain, supplemented with fresh water in a sipper bottle. Provide a small amount of fresh fruit or vegetable each day, removing uneaten portions to prevent spoilage.
Enrichment items improve welfare:
- Nesting material (e.g., cotton squares) for building shelters.
- Chew blocks or wooden toys to wear down incisors.
- PVC tubes or plastic tunnels for exploration.
- A running wheel (minimum 15 cm diameter) for voluntary exercise.
Ventilation must be adequate; cages with perforated lids or wire mesh tops allow airflow while preventing escape. Maintain a temperature range of 20–26 °C and a relative humidity of 40–60 %. Light cycles should follow a 12‑hour light/12‑hour dark schedule.
Health monitoring includes daily visual checks for coat condition, posture, and activity level. Record any signs of respiratory distress, ocular discharge, or abnormal behavior. Conduct weekly weight measurements and schedule periodic veterinary examinations.
Cleaning protocol:
- Remove animals to a temporary holding container with fresh bedding.
- Disassemble cage components; scrub surfaces with a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly.
- Disinfect using a rodent‑safe solution (e.g., 10 % bleach) for five minutes; rinse again to eliminate residues.
- Reassemble, add fresh bedding, and return mice.
Handling should be gentle, using cupped hands or a small cup to avoid stress. Limit handling sessions to a few minutes, and perform them consistently to habituate the animals.
By adhering to these specifications—adequate space, appropriate substrate, balanced diet, enrichment, proper ventilation, environmental control, regular health checks, and rigorous sanitation—mice can be maintained safely and comfortably in a cage.