What do white mice like? - briefly
White laboratory mice favor high‑energy grain‑based pellets, fresh vegetables such as carrots and lettuce, and occasional protein treats like boiled egg or mealworms. They also require uninterrupted access to clean water.
What do white mice like? - in detail
White laboratory mice display distinct preferences that influence their health, behavior, and experimental outcomes.
Nutritional choices
- Standard rodent chow formulated with balanced protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, and minerals satisfies basic dietary requirements.
- Grain‑based pellets are preferred for their texture and palatability; mice often consume them more readily than mash diets.
- Fresh fruits such as apple slices, banana, or berries are highly attractive, offering natural sugars and moisture.
- Small quantities of seeds (sunflower, pumpkin) provide enrichment and additional fats, but should be limited to prevent obesity.
- Protein supplements like boiled egg or lean meat are accepted when presented in bite‑size pieces, supporting growth in juveniles.
Hydration preferences
- Clean, filtered water presented in sipper bottles is favored over open troughs, reducing contamination risk.
- Adding a few drops of flavored electrolyte solution can increase intake during heat stress, but must be monitored for electrolyte balance.
Environmental enrichment
- Nesting material (e.g., shredded paper, cotton) is actively gathered and used for building nests, satisfying instinctual shelter behavior.
- Chewable objects such as wooden blocks or paper tubes reduce dental wear and provide mental stimulation.
- Small tunnels and hideouts mimic natural burrows, encouraging exploratory activity and reducing stress.
- Novel objects introduced periodically (e.g., plastic beads, cardboard) sustain curiosity and prevent habituation.
Social and sensory preferences
- Cohabitation with same‑sex conspecifics promotes natural social interaction; overcrowding must be avoided to prevent aggression.
- Soft, low‑frequency background noise (e.g., white noise) is tolerated, while sudden loud sounds elicit startle responses.
- Dim lighting with a regular light‑dark cycle (approximately 12 h each) aligns with nocturnal activity patterns, supporting normal circadian rhythms.
- Warm bedding temperatures (22–25 °C) are preferred; mice seek warmth by clustering and using nest material.
Reproductive and developmental considerations
- Pregnant females increase intake of high‑energy foods, especially seeds and occasional protein treats, to meet gestational demands.
- Juvenile mice show strong attraction to soft, moist foods like milk replacer or softened chow, facilitating weaning.
Overall, white mice gravitate toward nutritionally complete pellets, occasional fresh produce, safe chew items, and secure nesting environments. Providing these elements consistently supports physiological health, reduces stress, and enhances the reliability of experimental data.