How to conduct refined mouse handling

Traditionally, mice are picked up by the base of the tail to be moved for cage change, exams, or procedures. Now, evidence shows that picking mice up with tunnels or cupped hands is an important, impactful 3Rs refinement.

When to use tunnel handling vs. cupping?

Tunnel Handling: Requires equipment, but minimal habituation is required. Best for less experienced handlers, wild/jumpy/aggressive mice, naïve mice, or biosecurity concerns.

Cupping: No additional equipment is required, but habituation is essential. Best for more experienced handlers, outbred or older mice, habituated mice, pups and young weanlings, mice with delicate implants, and large mice that can’t fit in tunnels.

*Different strains may also be better suited for tunnel handling vs. cupping

How to tunnel handle

Hold the tunnel by the middle and place it by the cage wall.
Encourage the mouse into the tunnel with your hand while keeping the other end open. (Transfer the mouse)
Allow the mouse to walk out of the tunnel or gently tip the tunnel backwards so that the mouse slides out.

These videos from University of Liverpool show how to use a tunnel or cupped hands to pick up mice prior to conducting normal procedures (e.g., restraint, injection).

What Not to Do:

Do not chase the mouse with the tunnel.
Do not hold the tunnel in the middle of the cage.
Do not share tunnels between male and female mice.
For wild or jumpy mice, do not leave the end uncovered, when lifting the tunnel.
MAYBE don’t cover the end of the tunnel in the cage. Some mice won’t enter a tunnel whose end is covered– be aware of this if the mice seem resistant to entering the tunnel.

How to Cup Handle

Practice the movements in an empty cage 5x before starting
Remove any enrichments to make handling easier
Key principals: avoid fast/jerky movements and approaching the mouse from above. Instead keep movements smooth and confident.
If tunnels are available, first tunnel handle the mouse and tip the mouse from the tunnel into your hand
Approach the mouse at an angle and guide them to a wall or corner. For naïve mice, use two hands for close-handed cupping. For experienced mice, use one or two hands for open-handed cupping
Scoop the mouse into your hands
Move the mouse to the new location either with fully closed or open hands
Set the mouse down and let them walk away.

Need more training?

For more detailed instructions please see NC3Rs Mouse Handling Video Clips: https://www.nc3rs.org.uk/3rs-resources/mouse-handling/mouse-handling-video-clips