What exactly do mice chew? - briefly
Mice gnaw on a range of materials—including wood, cardboard, paper, fabrics, plastics, and electrical insulation—to wear down their continuously growing incisors. Their diet also leads them to bite seeds, nuts, and grains to obtain food.
What exactly do mice chew? - in detail
Mice continuously gnaw to keep their incisors from overgrowing. Their diet consists primarily of grains, seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects, each providing protein, carbohydrates, and fats necessary for growth and reproduction. In addition to natural foods, mice will consume processed items such as bread crumbs, cereal flakes, cheese, and pet food when these are available.
Beyond edible substances, mice bite a wide range of non‑food materials:
- Wood and cardboard: source of fibers for nest construction and a means to wear down teeth.
- Plastic and rubber: found in laboratory cages, packaging, and household items; gnawing prevents dental problems.
- Electrical wiring: soft copper or aluminum conductors attract rodents, leading to potential fire hazards.
- Paper products: tissue, newspaper, and books serve both as nesting material and a chewable substrate.
- Fabric and upholstery: cotton, wool, and synthetic fibers are readily gnawed for texture and to maintain tooth length.
The act of gnawing also serves exploratory functions. Young mice test the hardness of objects to assess safety, while adult individuals use chewing to manipulate the environment, create escape routes, and secure food stores. In laboratory settings, researchers provide chew blocks made of compressed wood or mineral-rich materials to ensure dental health and reduce stress.
Dental physiology dictates the need for constant abrasion. The lower incisors grow at approximately 2 mm per week; without regular gnawing, the teeth would extend beyond the jaw, impairing feeding and causing pain. Enamel on the front surface is extremely hard, while dentin behind it is softer, allowing the tooth edge to self‑sharpen as the mouse chews.
In summary, mice chew both nutritional items and a variety of inert substances to maintain dental integrity, construct nests, explore surroundings, and, inadvertently, cause damage to human infrastructure. Providing appropriate chew objects in captive environments mitigates these risks and promotes normal physiological development.