How should you properly feed mice? - briefly
Offer a nutritionally complete rodent pellet as the staple, supplemented with limited fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional protein sources, and provide uninterrupted access to clean water. Replace uneaten food each day and store supplies in a cool, dry environment to prevent contamination.
How should you properly feed mice? - in detail
Mice require a balanced diet that supplies protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in proportions that support growth, reproduction, and maintenance. Commercial rodent chow formulated for laboratory mice meets these requirements and should serve as the primary food source. Choose a pelleted or extruded formula with a protein content of 18–20 % for adult animals and 20–22 % for breeding or growing individuals.
Core components of an optimal feeding regimen
- Base diet: Certified rodent chow, stored in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage and nutrient loss. Replace unopened packages within the manufacturer’s recommended shelf life.
- Supplemental protein: For breeding colonies, provide additional high‑quality protein (e.g., soy or casein) at 2–4 % of total intake to support fetal development and lactation.
- Fresh water: Supply ad libitum, using a leak‑proof bottle with a stainless‑steel sipper. Change water daily and disinfect bottles weekly to avoid bacterial growth.
- Treats and enrichment: Offer small portions of fresh fruits, vegetables, or commercially prepared mouse treats no more than 5 % of daily calories. Rotate items to prevent dietary monotony and monitor for adverse reactions.
- Special dietary needs: Implement defined or purified diets for metabolic studies, ensuring all essential amino acids, fatty acids, and micronutrients are present in known quantities.
Feeding schedule and monitoring
- Daily inspection: Verify that food and water containers are filled, clean, and free of contamination.
- Weighing: Record body weight at least weekly for adults and more frequently for pups. Adjust intake if weight deviates by more than 10 % from expected growth curves.
- Quantity control: Provide enough chow to prevent competition but avoid excess that leads to waste. Typical consumption is 3–5 g per mouse per day, varying with strain, age, and activity level.
- Record keeping: Document batch numbers, expiration dates, and any dietary changes. This information is essential for reproducibility in research settings.
Common pitfalls and corrective actions
- Moisture‑laden feed: Leads to mold formation and mycotoxin exposure. Store feed in airtight containers and discard any damp portions.
- Nutrient deficiency: Using generic pet food or unbalanced homemade mixes can cause growth retardation or reproductive failure. Verify nutrient composition against established rodent dietary guidelines.
- Over‑supplementation: Excess fat or sugar in treats may induce obesity and metabolic disorders. Limit treat calories and monitor body condition scores.
- Water contamination: Stagnant or dirty water promotes bacterial colonization. Replace water regularly and sanitize delivery systems.
By adhering to these guidelines—selecting a nutritionally complete base diet, providing constant access to clean water, supplementing when needed, and maintaining rigorous monitoring—researchers and caretakers can ensure that mice receive optimal nutrition for health, welfare, and experimental reliability.