What a mouse looks like: meeting a large family

Where does the mouse live?

The distribution range of mice covers almost all climatic zones, zones and continents of the globe. Mouse representatives can be found in tropical thickets, coniferous or deciduous forests, steppes and deserts, on mountain slopes or in swampy areas. Mice also live in people's homes.

Mice can build nests from grass stems, occupy abandoned burrows, or dig complex systems of underground passages. Unlike species that live in swamps, mountain, steppe and forest mice swim poorly.

What benefits do bats bring?

In nature, bats do more good than harm. There are only a few blood-sucking species, so it is impossible to say that it is chiropterans that transmit diseases.

But they destroy insects that, flying from one animal to another, are capable of spreading infections. During the season, animals eat a huge number of mosquitoes, beetles and butterflies, many of which, for example, in tropical countries, actually carry fatal diseases.

They protect chiropteran gardens and agricultural lands from pests that can destroy crops or harm trees and shrubs.

By flying from plant to plant, they help pollinate them.

Bat droppings are an excellent fertilizer. In some caves where animal colonies live, up to a meter of excrement can accumulate.

Enzymes from bat saliva are used in medicine.

Mouse - description

These small rodents are distributed throughout the entire earth, excluding the extreme northern and high-mountain regions. The closest relatives of mice are jerboas, mole rats, hamsters and dormice. And more distantly related are rats, chinchillas, porcupines, beavers, and guinea pigs. In total, the Mouse subfamily includes 121 genera and more than 300 species.

The mouse is a small animal with an elongated and pointed muzzle, large round ears and bulging beady eyes. A long, hairless or slightly pubescent tail is a distinctive feature of the animal. The limbs, which are not the same in length, are adapted for digging and moving along vertical and horizontal surfaces. The body length of a rodent can vary from 3 to 20 cm, weight - from 15 to 50 g.

Mice have a special bite. On the lower and upper jaws the animal has 2 chisel-shaped teeth, which are continuously growing. Rodents are forced to constantly grind them down, which is why their incisors are very sharp.

Animals from the Mouse family have good eyesight and can distinguish between red and yellow shades. The usual body temperature of these rodents ranges from 37.5 to 39⁰C. The maximum lifespan of mice is 4 years.

Lifespan

Mice have many natural enemies - from the harmless hedgehog to the fox, wolf, dog, and cat. The lifespan of mice does not exceed 18 months. In captivity with proper care and an abundance of food, house mice live up to 3 years. In laboratory conditions during the experiment, the individual lived for 5 years.

The number of rodents is subject to seasonal fluctuations. It has also been observed that the mouse population increases every 5 years. At the end of winter, the number of animals is at a minimum; with the onset of spring, rodents begin to mate. As plants grow, the number of rodents increases. There is a decline until the end of summer. The maximum number of pests is observed in autumn. At home, there are no significant fluctuations in the number of mice; the population can increase 3 times.

Types of mice

The mouse family includes 4 subfamilies, 147 genera and 701 species, the most common of which are:

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• The field mouse (lat. Apodemus agrarius) reaches a size of 12.5 cm, not counting the tail, which can be up to 9 cm long. The color of the back of the mouse is gray, with a slight yellowish-brown tint and a dark stripe running along the ridge, and the belly is light gray color. The habitat of the field mouse includes Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, Poland, Bulgaria, the southern part of Western Siberia and Primorye, Mongolia, Taiwan, the Korean Peninsula and certain territories of China. This species of mice lives in wide meadows, in dense thickets of bushes, city gardens and parks, and makes a refuge both in burrows and in any natural shelters. In flooded areas it builds nests on bushes. Depending on the season, the diet may consist of seeds, berries, green parts of plants and various insects. The field mouse is the main pest of grain crops.

• The yellow-necked mouse (lat. Apodemus flavicollis) has a reddish-gray color and a light belly (sometimes with a small spot of yellow). The body size of adult individuals reaches 10-13 cm, the tail has approximately the same length. The mouse weighs about 50 grams. This type of mouse is widespread in the forests of Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Caucasus, the northern provinces of China and Altai. Yellow-throated mice live on open edges in hollow trees or dug holes, but they can also live in rocky areas. Their diet includes both plant and animal foods. By eating young shoots of fruit trees, they cause significant harm to nurseries.

• The grass mouse (Nilotic grass mouse) (lat. Arvicanthis niloticus) is one of the largest representatives of the mouse family and can reach 19 cm in length, and with the tail - 35 cm. The weight of individual large individuals exceeds 100 g. The fur of the back and sides has dark gray or grayish-brown in color with individual hard and spiny bristles of a darker shade. The belly color is light gray. This type of mouse is most common in African countries, where they live in bushes, forests and savannas. As a refuge, grass mice choose abandoned termite mounds or dig holes on their own, but on occasion they can enter human habitation. The basis of the diet of mice is plant food.

• The baby mouse (lat. Micromys minutus) is one of the smallest rodents in the world. The body length of an adult animal does not exceed 7 cm, the tail - 6.5 cm, and the weight of the baby does not exceed 10 g. The back and sides are plain and have a reddish-brown or brown color, in contrast to the light gray, almost white belly. The muzzle of baby mice is short and blunt, with small ears. The distribution area of ​​this species of mice stretches from west to east from the northwestern provinces of Spain to Korea and Japan, in the south to Kazakhstan, China and the northern regions of Mongolia. The mouse lives in forest and forest-steppe zones, in meadows with tall grass. In the summer, mice use nests made in the grass as shelter, and overwinter in burrows, haystacks, and human residential or outbuildings. The basis of the diet of baby mice is the seeds of cereals and legumes, as well as small insects. They often settle near granaries, causing enormous damage to agriculture.

• The house mouse (lat. Mus musculus) is the most widespread species of the rodent family on the planet. The body length of an adult mouse does not exceed 9.5 cm, and together with the tail - 15 cm. The weight of the mouse is 12-30 g. The color of the fur on the sides and back is gray with a brown tint, and on the abdomen from light gray to white. Individuals living in desert areas are sandy in color. The mouse's muzzle is sharp with small rounded ears. The distribution range of this species of mice does not include only the territory of the Far North, Antarctica and high mountain regions. House mice live in all types of landscapes and natural areas, and very often penetrate into human outbuildings and residential buildings. In natural conditions, they dig minks on their own, although they can also occupy homes abandoned by other rodents. They feed on seeds and juicy green parts of plants, and once they enter a person’s home, they eat everything they can get their teeth into – from bread and sausages to paraffin candles.

• The striped mouse (lat. Lemniscomys striatus) is a small rodent: the length of the body is 10-15 cm, intermittent stripes of light colors are visible along the back and along the sides. Under natural conditions, striped mice rarely live more than 6-7 months; in captivity they live two to three times longer. The menu of these individuals includes mainly plant “dishes”: root vegetables, soft seeds, juicy fruits, and occasionally small insects.

• The spiny mouse (Acomys) (lat. Acomys) is a rather cute representative of the mouse family, the owner of huge eyes and equally large ears. The size of the spiny mouse, including its tail, is 13-26 cm; the back of the animal is covered with thin spines, like a regular hedgehog. An amazing feature of these animals is regeneration: when in danger, the mouse is able to shed a piece of skin, leaving the attacker bewildered. The skin is quickly restored without damage to the individual. The spiny mouse lives in Asian countries and is found in Cyprus and Africa. Its diet relies on plant foods; this animal is often kept as a pet.

Top 6 mouse traps

Electronic mouse and rat exterminator “EcoSniper GH-190 Rat Killer”

“EcoSniper” is an example of the fastest way to get rid of rodents: it kills mice with an electric shock in five seconds.
This electronic trap can operate either from mains or batteries. The trap design ensures the safety of children and pets. It can be used to catch any rodents in the house, garage or any other room. If you use batteries, you can even set this up outdoors - as long as you keep the trap protected from water. But such powerful devices also cost much more than conventional ones - from 3,000 rubles. Price: 2700 rub.

Live trap “Cage”

This cage trap is made of galvanized steel and has a wooden bottom.
It is safe for children and animals, including mice themselves, and is suitable for those who do not want to kill animals, even harmful ones. Once in the trap cage, the mouse remains locked in it, but unharmed. A caught rodent simply needs to be released into the wild by opening the door away from your home. Some people prefer to place poison inside the trap, but we do not recommend this - it is better to simply catch and release the animal. The compact size of the cage allows you to use it anywhere - on the street or in the house. Such a device costs from 350 rubles. Price: from 300 rub.

Steel mousetrap STAYER 40490-M Master

The most classic version of a mousetrap: a wooden base with a durable steel mechanism. It has maximum sensitivity, making it impossible to steal the bait - it slams shut instantly! These are the traps that are most popular among the people: they are cheap (2 FIT traps cost only 69 rubles) and they always work flawlessly.

But they also have their obvious disadvantages. So, this is not the fastest and most gentle option for killing: the mouse may not die immediately, but suffer from pain for several hours. The tree also absorbs the smell of dead animals, so after a while the mice will understand the catch and won’t climb into it again - it will have to be replaced with another one. But such devices are so budget-friendly that buying a new one is not a problem. The main thing is that they work and have been tested by millions of people.

Price: 109 rub.

Glue trap “Rodent”

A simple and inexpensive option for those who need to catch a small number of rodents. According to the manufacturer, the trap is designed to catch gray and black rats, house mice, gerbils, bank voles and moles. The sticky base is non-toxic and, in addition to glue, contains rosin, rubber and mineral oils. But it is more likely for mice - such a surface is unlikely to hold large rats. Keep in mind that if mice get stuck in the adhesive, they may try to get out by tearing off their limbs. The sight is not a pleasant one, so it is better to check them more often and finish off the rodents or release them to freedom. This costs from 100 rubles.

Price: 100 rub.

Mouse trap “House”

This is a humane option for trapping: the trap does not kill mice, but simply locks them inside - the rodents have no chance of getting out. This “House” looks like a plastic tube, bent at a certain angle, and two doors. Before starting work, you need to remove the back cover and put the mice’s favorite treat - peanuts, seeds or dry animal food - into the far part of the device. Then place it on a flat surface, close the back cover and open the front door - especially for the rodent. When he crawls towards the bait, the “House” will automatically slam shut.

Don’t forget to check such traps in a timely manner so that the mouse does not die inside! Release it and put in a new portion of bait, then install it again. The method is not only humane, but also affordable: for ~100 rubles for 1 house.

Price: 90 rub.

How mice behave in their natural environment

In order for rodents to maintain a constant body temperature, they need to be active in winter and summer, day and night. Gluttony and fussiness for mice are characteristic traits that help them survive and leave offspring.

In the fall, animals begin collecting provisions in a burrow or on the surface of the ground, where the “warehouse” is camouflaged with earth. And if in the off-season rodents are awake at night and sleep during the day, then in winter they remain active around the clock. In spring and autumn, when there is no shortage of food and no temperature fluctuations, mice actively reproduce.

Mice live in large families, since together it is easier for them to defend themselves, get food, build homes, and raise offspring. In a mouse pack there is a leader who maintains order in the group. Female mice are peaceful. But young males do not always put up with their subordinate position. Stomping with its hind legs and aggressive tail strikes indicate the animal’s intention to conquer the “throne.” Inter-family clashes can lead to the disintegration of the pack.

Mice spend most of their time in burrows, raising offspring, escaping danger, storing food, or resting after eating it. The maximum depth of the burrow is 70 cm, and the total length of the passages can reach 20 m. Some species of mice build nests in thickets of tall grasses (little mouse) or live in tree roots and old stumps (forest mouse).

Minks can be temporary or permanent, and the latter can be summer or winter. Temporary housing for animals is simply planned. The permanent mouse hole has a spacious nesting chamber and several entrances. In summer burrows where rodents give birth, bedding is created from fluff, blades of grass, shavings and feathers. And in winter, a pantry is set up for food supplies.

general characteristics

The length of the mouse body, depending on the species, varies from 5 to 19 cm, and if measured with the tail, it doubles. The parameters for all types of mice are similar:

• body elongated;
• the tail is thin, long, depending on the type, 70-120% of the length of the body;
• the head is small, the muzzle is blunt or elongated;
• ears are round, large or small;
• eyes are round, moderately convex, black or red;
• the nose is small, mobile, sensitive;
• the hind limbs are elongated, allowing the animal to jump well and rise, sitting on its hind legs;
• The forelimbs are miniature, shorter than the hind limbs.

In this video you will learn interesting facts about mice:

Nutritional features of mice

Peering at damaged containers, furniture, household items, and walls of the room, one gets the impression that the mouse is omnivorous. It chews on everything it comes across on the go, even if it has no nutritional value.

Such a brutal appetite is explained by several aspects of her life:

• The mouse is forced to constantly grind down its front teeth. Chews hard objects.
• The animal has an accelerated metabolism. Food is quickly digested, and due to high mobility, energy is instantly consumed. On average, a rodent should eat 5 g of food and drink 20 ml of water per day.
• The mouse has this peculiarity - it tastes everything new and unknown.

Regarding food preferences, the mouse is a predator. But he prefers plant foods. Replenishment of proteins is carried out by eating worms, insects, eggs, and chicks. The herbivorous creature eats helpless birds with great appetite and steals eggs from nests. Then he arranges a home for himself in this place.

A herbivorous mouse gnaws seeds, the green part of plants. If there is a lack of fluid, he eats berries, fruits, and vegetables. Prefers grains, cereals, seeds, flour.

Reproduction in mice

The mouse is a polygamous animal. In nature, one male fertilizes from 2 to 12 females. Over 12 months, mice have from 3 to 8 litters. The female reaches sexual maturity 10 weeks after birth. At this time, she begins to go into heat, which lasts 5 days and is expressed in special behavior.

If after coating the female fails to become pregnant, a new estrus occurs within a week. If fertilization is successful, the female animal is expected to give birth in 17-24 days. There are from 3 to 9 cubs in one litter. Female mice give birth at night. Babies, when born, are unable to move, hear or see. They have no hair and their size ranges from 2 to 3 cm.

Mice develop rapidly:

• 3 days – fluff appears on the body;
• Day 5 – the cubs begin to hear;
• Day 7 – the animal’s body weight doubles;
• Day 14 – palpebral fissures appear;
• Day 19 – the mice begin to eat on their own;
• 25 days – the length of the body reaches 500 mm (the tail is 15-20 mm shorter) and the mouse is already sexually mature.

Decorative mice develop a little slower. It is recommended to mate them no more than 2-3 times a year. Repeated births exhaust the female, and each subsequent offspring becomes weaker.

Characteristic features of life

It is believed that mice are quite shy by nature. This may be true, but if the mouse does not behave this way, it will not survive, since it has a sufficient number of natural and natural enemies.

In nature, the mouse adapts to various conditions of its existence: it crawls, swims, digs holes in the ground, and some species have learned to fly. Such abilities of such a small mammal allow it to survive in such harsh natural conditions.

A mouse can settle its nest anywhere: underground, in the hollows of old trees, in bird nests, under stones, etc. The rodent hunts at night, but does not stray from the nest. During the day, mice sit quietly in their shelters.

Interesting Facts! Some species of mice live in large packs, where the leader of the pack is a male with several females. Each person is responsible for his own territory, where he finds food. The offspring are raised by all females together and upon reaching “adulthood” the young are expelled from the herd.

Mice wait for winter in different conditions. For example:

• In the ground, in deep holes.
• In hay or straw stacks.
• In outbuildings for various purposes.

Mice that hibernate in natural conditions store food for the winter. To do this, rodents occupy special places in their burrows, where they bring everything that may be useful in winter, so as not to die of hunger.

Mice have a sufficient number of natural enemies - these are reptiles, hedgehogs, cats, dogs and foxes, as well as other birds of prey and animals.

In nature, a mouse can live no more than a year, although at the genetic level the period is about 5 years. This is due to the fact that this rodent has too many natural enemies. In artificial conditions, rodents live for about 3 years, and in laboratory conditions - 7 years.

Enemies of mice

The mouse is a key link in the food chain of many ecosystems. Many wild animals depend on the existence of this small rodent. For mice living in the forest, the main enemies are foxes, martens, arctic foxes, ferrets, stoats, weasels, lynxes and even wolves. Predators easily tear apart burrows and can eat up to 30 small animals a day.

Mice are the main food for snakes and large lizards. Reptiles such as boas, pythons, vipers, and radiant snakes swallow their prey whole. During the hunt, the snake freezes, and then suddenly attacks the victim, biting it with poisonous teeth, and then waits for the animal to become motionless.

There is also danger lurking for mice from above. Among birds there are predators that differ in the power of their beaks, visual acuity and hearing. These are owls, buzzards, hawks, eagles, owls, kites. They hunt during the day or night, making swift attacks from the air.

Breeding mice

The average lifespan of such rodents does not exceed 3 years, but during this time they can produce a lot of offspring. In favorable conditions, they are able to reproduce year-round. Typically the breeding season begins in mid-spring and ends in November. Pregnancy lasts no more than 21 days. Up to 7 mice can be born at one time.

Literally 12 hours after giving birth, the female is again ready to conceive. During the year there can be up to 14 offspring. That is, one female can give birth to an entire army of rodents in 12 months. It is not surprising that humans still cannot cope with the mouse family.

The female feeds the offspring with milk for 4 weeks, after which the pups begin to live an independent life.

When breeding these animals, the breeder is recommended to begin accustoming the babies to other foods 2 weeks after birth. After just 2 months, these babies will be ready to bear new offspring themselves.

Features, lifestyle, habits, sense organs, life expectancy

The mammal house mouse is a very mobile, fast and nimble creature. In open areas, such an animal can reach speeds of up to 13 km/h, and their agility makes these creatures capable of shortening and eluding a predator, even if it catches up with it.

Such mice lead a predominantly twilight or nocturnal lifestyle. They are very shy and have hyperdeveloped sensory organs. Sensitive paws detect any vibration of the earth's surface, and a heightened sense of smell and hearing are able to distinguish the slightest vibrations of odors and sound waves.

They do not need lighting at all for normal orientation. They are well oriented using their sense of smell and sensitive whiskers. Their only flaw is their eyesight. It perceives relatively well what is happening at a great distance from them, while close up the object in front of their eyes is blurred and does not have a clear shape.

During the warm season, mice can move from human homes to the street. They feel great in nature. They build small burrows with several exits. The main abode is covered with bird feathers and dry leaves. Animals that exist in virgin nature, isolated from humans, are forced to create a storage facility in their burrows, in which the animals store food for the winter. But rodents living within a residential area invariably return for the winter to warm human homes or agricultural buildings, where they spend the winter very well, causing a lot of inconvenience to people.

Mice of this species do not live long in the wild - from a year to a year and a half. But in captivity (if you can call the cozy walls of a residential building with garbage cans filled with food) they can live twice as long.

Content

As mentioned above, rodents of various species are often kept as pets. Such maintenance does not cause much trouble, since mice eat everything and do not require large areas for housing. They are easy to train . After the rodent gets used to the person, he willingly goes into his arms. However, you shouldn’t let him out of the cage. If he takes it into his head to “run away,” it will be very difficult to catch him.

A little about the mouse cage:

• It should be metal and have pull-out trays.
• The spacing of the rods should be small, otherwise the animal will certainly leave its home.
• The cage should not be placed near heating devices.

A cage with an area of ​​300 cm2 will be enough for one pet.

Sometimes you can find people who keep mice in aquariums and glass jars. This is a questionable decision, since the pet will not have enough air. In addition, an aquarium or jar is much more difficult to clean than a cage.

The following items should be added to the cage:

• A piece of chalk and some branches. The mouse will sharpen its teeth on them. In addition, chalk will help him replenish the lack of minerals in the body.
• Litter. It is easiest to make from paper and sawdust. If you add hay, your pet will definitely make a nest out of it.
• A running wheel to keep your pet from getting bored.

Feeding rodents at home

The pet's diet must be balanced. There should be at least 50 g of food per rodent per day.

A pet's diet may consist of the following products:

• Grains: oats, wheat, rice, etc.
• The best vegetables to give are carrots and lettuce.
• Cottage cheese.
• Green grass. It is recommended to regularly throw it into the cage.
• Fruits: pears and apples.
• Sunflower seeds. This is a treat for mice. But you can’t give seeds often.
• Vitamin supplements.
• Raw meat no more than once a week.

How to prevent infection

Mouse families will be happy to find shelter in places where they will be comfortable and have enough food. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the household in such a way that there is no room for pests.

1. Regularly check attics and cellars, keep the area clean and get rid of household waste.
2. Monitor the condition of buildings, seal cracks and holes, use high-quality materials.
3. Store food and supplies in closed containers out of reach of mammals.
4. Plant plants on the site that repel mice and maintain cleanliness.
5. If rodents appear once, it is imperative to catch them quickly.

It is believed that cats and dogs living on the site do not get along with mice, so rodents do not poke their noses where they smell the smell of these animals.

How are farmers harmed?

Mice, like many other rodents, cause a lot of damage to farms. Here's why mice are dangerous:

• mice carry dangerous diseases (typhoid, plague, salmonellosis, etc.);
• they leave their excrement wherever they run and climb (various infections are also transmitted to people through feces);
• chew wires, furniture, walls and other household items;
• Mice are dangerous for the garden: they spoil the harvest (they gnaw the bark of fruit trees and their roots, eat the harvest);
• They eat the feed of farm animals and leave their excrement in it, which leads to food spoilage.

Video

Mice: benefits and harm

Species of wild rodents have long been considered enemies of humans. The field mouse damages grain crops. The house mouse contaminates food with feces and urine, and damages books, clothing, and home furnishings. Many types of mice carry infectious diseases: salmonellosis, hepatitis, encephalitis, toxoplasmosis, false tuberculosis and others.

But mice also bring significant benefits to people. Cosmetologists and doctors have been using mice for centuries to conduct all kinds of experiments. This is due to the extraordinary fertility of rodents and the similarity of the human and mouse genomes.

Zoologists raise special food mice for pythons, agamas, boas, geckos, snakes, ferrets, owls and cats. Sometimes decorative rodents are used for such purposes and sold to pet stores.