Where are mice housed? - briefly
Laboratory mice are housed in individually ventilated or standard shoebox cages inside dedicated animal facilities that maintain strict temperature, humidity, and light cycles. The cages are cleaned regularly to ensure a sanitary environment.
Where are mice housed? - in detail
Laboratory mice are kept in controlled environments designed to maintain health, reduce stress, and ensure experimental reproducibility. The primary housing units are cages that conform to international standards for size, material, and ventilation.
- Standard static cages: Made of polycarbonate or polysulfone, these cages provide a solid base, removable lids, and a solid floor. They rely on room air circulation and require regular cleaning and bedding changes.
- Individually ventilated cages (IVCs): Feature a filtered airflow system that supplies fresh, HEPA‑filtered air to each cage and removes waste gases. IVCs reduce cross‑contamination and allow higher animal density per rack.
- Barrier‑type racks: Metal frames that hold multiple cages, equipped with temperature‑controlled shelving and integrated ventilation ducts. Racks are placed inside barrier rooms that restrict entry of pathogens.
Housing rooms maintain specific environmental parameters:
- Temperature: 20–26 °C, monitored continuously.
- Relative humidity: 30–70 %, with automatic regulation.
- Light cycle: 12 h light/12 h dark, using dimmable fixtures to simulate natural rhythms.
- Air exchange: Minimum 10–15 air changes per hour in IVC systems; static rooms use filtered laminar flow hoods.
Bedding materials, such as autoclaved wood chips, corncob, or paper pulp, are selected for absorbency, low dust, and compatibility with enrichment devices. Enrichment items—nesting material, tunnels, chew blocks—are provided to promote natural behaviors.
Specialized zones exist for specific purposes:
- Quarantine area: Isolated rooms with dedicated ventilation, used for newly arrived or genetically modified mice before entry into the main colony.
- Breeding suites: Cages with removable dividers to separate males and females, equipped with nesting material to support litter rearing.
- Experimental chambers: Modified cages that allow precise control of temperature, humidity, or exposure to stimuli for particular studies.
All housing systems are subject to routine health monitoring, cage cleaning schedules, and documentation in accordance with institutional animal care and use protocols. This structured approach ensures that mice are housed in environments that support welfare and scientific integrity.