What is needed to keep mice? - briefly
Mice require a secure cage, suitable bedding, constant access to fresh water, a nutritionally balanced diet, and environmental enrichment. Regular cleaning, temperature control (20‑26 °C), and routine health monitoring complete the essential care.
What is needed to keep mice? - in detail
Maintaining a colony of laboratory or pet mice demands consistent provision of specific resources and conditions.
A suitable enclosure must be escape‑proof, ventilated, and sized to accommodate the number of animals. Standard cages of 75 × 75 × 30 cm for groups of up to five adult mice meet these criteria; larger groups require proportionally larger spaces. Bedding material such as aspen shavings, corncob, or cellulose pellets should be changed weekly to control odor and moisture.
Nutrition consists of a nutritionally balanced pelleted diet formulated for rodents, supplied ad libitum. Fresh water, delivered through an automatic bottle system with a metal sipper, must be available at all times and inspected daily for contamination.
Environmental parameters must remain stable. Ambient temperature should be maintained between 20 °C and 26 °C, with relative humidity of 30‑70 %. A 12‑hour light/dark cycle, typically 07:00–19:00 light, supports normal circadian rhythms.
Health management includes routine health monitoring, quarantine of new arrivals, and regular veterinary examinations. Parasite control relies on scheduled treatments for mites, pinworms, and ectoparasites. Waste disposal follows biosafety guidelines: used bedding and carcasses are autoclaved or incinerated before removal.
Record‑keeping is essential. Each animal’s identification number, breeding status, health observations, and experimental interventions should be logged in a secure database.
By adhering to these provisions—secure housing, appropriate nutrition, controlled environment, vigilant health practices, and thorough documentation—mouse colonies can be sustained with minimal stress and maximal welfare.