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mice
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Weight:
The average mouse weighs less than an ounce (30 grams) and can live up to three years.
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Handling:
If you are not accustomed to handling mice, it is advisable to wear a
snug fitting glove when handling them. To move a mouse, pick it up by
its tail with your thumb and first finger grasping it close to the body
(if taken by the tip, the whole skin covering may come off). Make sure
to leave the mouse in a head down position for only a few seconds,
otherwise the mouse may turn, crawl up its own tail, and bite you. To
restrain a mouse, grasp by the base of the tail, place it on a surface
that it can grip with its froe feet so that you can stretch the body
out, then grasp a fold of the loose skin over the neck and shoulders
just tight enough to keep the mouse from turning it's head and biting.
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Housing:
Mice are normally kept in cages measuring six by twelve by six inches
high (15x30x15cm) with a solid bottom. The floor is usually covered
with one to two inches of woodchips, ground corncobs, sawdust, hay, or
any other material available (do not use newsprint, the ink may make
the mice sick). The bedding should be changed at least once weekly.
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Feeding:
Mice are nocturnal animals and tend to feed more at nights, however, it
is advisable for laboratory animals to have food and water ad libitum
(except where experimental procedures dictate otherwise). When using
pellets, make sure they small fresh and clean. If they smell musty and
moldy, the pellets are old and shouldn't be used. Water bottles should
be washed and replaced at least once weekly. Diets can be supplemented
with snacks such as cracked corn and/or oil sunflower seeds.
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Breeding:
Female mice are old enough to breed at two months and can have up to
seventeen litters a year with an average of five to ten babies per
litter. Her reproductive cycle (estrous cycle) makes it possible for
her to accept a male every fourth day and so mating occurs often if the
male and female are continuously kept in the same cage. More than one
female may be kept in one cage with a male (as long as each female has
her own nesting box), but it is not recommended to keep two or more
males in one cage. When multiple males are housed together they will
fight to establish dominance. The Gestation period in mice lasts
nineteen to twenty one days. Immediately following birth, babies are
tiny, helpless, and hairless weighing approximately one gram. Their
eyes are sealed for the first two weeks of life. After they have been
weaned, male babies should be placed in separate cages, but female
babies can remain together.
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Diseases:
Bite wounds:
Bite wounds will occur between fighting males or overcrowded females.
Treat them with a small amount of antibiotic ointment but be careful
not to use too much or the mice will eat it when they groom themselves.
Antibiotic Toxicity:
Mice are sensitive to streptomycin which can kill them if injected.
Respiratory Infections and Pneumonia:
Mice suffering from respiratory infections and pneumonia sit in a
corner with fur ruffled up. Discharge from their nose, and chattering
noise as they breathe may also be observed. -Antibiotics such as
chloramphenicol or tetracyclene can be given orally (5mg). twice daily
for 4 or 5 days. A 250 mg. capsule of antibiotic can be dissolved in a
cupful of water (240cc) and placed in their water bottle. A half
teaspoon of sugar can be added to sweeten the water. They should
receive 4 to 5 mg of antibiotic daily with this procedure and should be
kept on the medication for 5 days.
Diarrhea:
Diarrhea may result from improper diet, spoiled food or internal
parasites. Replace pellets if they smell musty or smell/look moldy. If
there is no improvement in 24 to 48 hours, collect a sample of stool in
a plastic vial and have the Vet examine it for internal parasites. If
there are parasites the Vet can prescribe the appropriate medication.
Tumor:
A
tumor is any unusual lump or swelling growing on or in the mouse. Mice
are susceptible to tumors and they are common in middle aged and older
mice. Some can be removed surgically. Many are malignant and have
probably spread extensively before being observed. These mice need to
be euthanized to prevent suffering.
Fur chewing:
Fur chewing is an indication that the mice are too crowded. Over
crowded mice will chew the fur off each others faces. If this occurs
they should be placed in separate cages or in larger cages.
Mites, fleas, lice:
Mites, fleas, and lice are not commonly seen in mice. If found, their
fur should be treated by applying a rotenone-based flea powder weekly.
A Shell pest strip containing Vapona may also be placed on top of the
cage one night weekly. The strip should not be left on the cage
continuously or placed where the mice can chew on it or lick it.
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