Mouse Refinements

Key Natural Behaviors

  • Social structure
  • Nesting
  • Burrowing
  • Climbing
  • Foraging
  • Nocturnal/crepuscular
  • Avoid open spaces
A white mouse peeking out from a nest made of shredded brown paper bedding.

A mouse peeks out of a well-formed nest.

Recommendations

  • Stable group housing
  • Water/food at one end
  • Nesting material – a minimum of 8 grams for 3-5 mice. (Transfer clean & dry nesting material during cage change.)
  • Aspen bedding is generally preferable compared to corn cob
  • Tubes & climbing structures
  • Avoid cages being in the direct path of ultrasound when possible (dripping taps, cart wheels, computers)
  • If using individually ventilated cages, monitor for anxiety/discomfort based on high air change rate
  • Running wheels
  • Gnawing sticks
  • Avoid bright light (mice prefer <65 lux) especially covering the top row of cages on a rack
  • Grid space, mouse lofts, or mezzanines
  • Pick up mice with refined methods such as tunnels, cupping, huts, ladders, etc: See our Rodent Handling page for tips


Resources