What is the lifespan of a mouse? - briefly
Domestic mice usually live 1–2 years, with laboratory strains averaging around 18 months; wild mice survive roughly 6–12 months. Factors such as genetics, diet, and environment influence the exact duration.
What is the lifespan of a mouse? - in detail
Mice typically live between several months and a few years, depending on species, environment, and care.
- Laboratory strains: average 1.5–3 years; some genetically modified lines reach 4 years under optimal conditions.
- Pet mice: 2–3 years when provided with balanced diet, enrichment, and veterinary oversight.
- Wild house mice (Mus musculus domesticus): 6–12 months; high predation pressure, disease, and variable food supply limit longevity.
Factors influencing longevity include genetics (inbred vs outbred lines), housing (temperature, humidity, cage size), nutrition (protein content, caloric restriction), health management (vaccination, parasite control), and stress levels.
Reproductive maturity occurs at 5–8 weeks; females can produce 5–10 litters before senescence, each litter containing 4–12 offspring. Aging signs manifest as reduced activity, graying fur, and weight loss.
Maximum documented lifespan for a mouse is 4.2 years, recorded in a controlled research setting with meticulous husbandry.
Overall, expectancy ranges from half a year in natural populations to up to three years in managed environments, with genetics and care practices accounting for the variation.