Burrowing, nesting, and hoarding are species-typical activities that mice readily perform in the laboratory. This article describes how they can be easily and cheaply assessed. These protocols are extremely sensitive to mouse strain, brain lesions and diseases. Moreover they constitute “environmental enrichment” for the mice, and embody the “Refinement” aspect of the “3 Rs”18.
Total time
~24 hours per assessment (overnight observation period)
Model organism
Mouse (unspecified strain, protocol sensitive to strain variation)
Steps
1
Measure burrowing behavior quantitatively
Assess mouse burrowing activity by measuring displacement of bedding material from a defined area. Protocol is highly sensitive to mouse strain and neurological conditions.
▶ 02:04
2
Score nesting behavior and material use
Evaluate nest construction quality and consumption of provided nesting material. Sensitive indicator of strain differences and pathological states.
▶ 04:50
3
Quantify hoarding behavior over time
Measure accumulation and hoarding of food pellets or material by mice. Reflects species-typical behavior and neurological function.
▶ 06:14