What do mice drink? - briefly
Mice obtain hydration primarily from plain water, which they drink ad libitum in both wild and laboratory environments. In controlled settings they may also receive moisture from wet feed, gel‑based nutrient packs, or diluted electrolyte solutions as supplemental fluids.
What do mice drink? - in detail
Mice obtain hydration primarily from water, but their fluid sources vary with environment and diet. In the wild, they drink from natural water bodies such as streams, puddles, or dew‑covered vegetation. Laboratory rodents are supplied with tap water or filtered water bottles, typically refreshed daily to prevent contamination.
When food contains high moisture levels, mice can meet a substantial portion of their fluid requirements without direct drinking. Seeds, fruits, and fresh vegetables provide up to 70 % of needed water, especially for species that forage on succulent plant parts. Laboratory chow, formulated with about 10 % moisture, contributes a predictable baseline intake.
Mice also ingest liquids indirectly through metabolic water, a by‑product of nutrient oxidation. Carbohydrate and fat metabolism generate water internally, reducing the need for external sources during periods of scarcity.
Typical daily water consumption for an adult laboratory mouse (≈25 g body weight) ranges from 3 ml to 5 ml. Factors influencing this volume include ambient temperature, humidity, activity level, and physiological state (e.g., pregnancy, lactation). Higher temperatures can increase intake by up to 50 % due to evaporative losses.
In experimental settings, researchers may offer alternative fluids to assess preferences or physiological responses. Common options include:
- Diluted sucrose solutions (0.5 %–2 %) to evaluate sweet‑taste preference.
- Saline (0.9 % NaCl) to study electrolyte balance.
- Ethanol solutions (1 %–10 %) for addiction models.
- Nutrient‑enriched drinks (vitamin or mineral supplements) for deficiency studies.
These solutions are provided alongside plain water, and intake is measured to determine relative preference.
Overall, mice rely on a combination of free‑standing water, moisture‑rich food, and metabolic water to maintain hydration, with consumption adjusted according to environmental conditions and physiological demands.