Handling mice
By not handling mice by the tail, but by picking them up with a tube or in another animal-friendly way, you prevent stress in mice and contribute to a better research quality. Therefore, 'tail handling' is being phased out. Everyone who works with mice is introduced to alternative handling methods so that they can get started as soon as possible. There are also a number of 'question beacons', central persons within the various departments to whom you can go with questions, concerns and suggestions.
Research has shown that picking up mice by the tail causes stress and anxiety in the animals. It is therefore better to pick up mice in a different way, for example with the help of a tube, or by cupping them in your hands. Even if you have to perform a procedure that is uncomfortable for the mouse, such as giving an injection, the effect of the friendlier handling remains clearly visible.
The mice are less anxious and therefore easier to handle. This is not only pleasant for the mice, but also for you. Your interaction with the mice is easier and faster, and the effects of this on the physiology and behaviour of the mouse contributes to the quality of the research.
Best practice
This new way of handling mice is now internationally accepted as best practice. The NC3Rs has listed all the information in a convenient way for you. On their website you will find:
- An overview of all literature on cup and tunnel handling
- A list of frequently asked questions
- A tutorial (18 min.) and a webinar (53 min.)
- Implementation tips
- Short video clips where you can quickly view specific situations and instructions
- Posters that you can download (we have these posters available in hard copy in a limited edition. You can pick them up while stocks lasts).
Most of the information on the NC3Rs website is about handling with a tube and cupping. In the meantime, experience shows that you can also use other tools, such as an inverted nest box, or a small ladder.
The method itself is not difficult at all; with a short training you can learn it in no time. Experience shows that mice are much calmer, and also undergo invasive actions such as an injection more calmly. This has 3 main advantages:
- You improve the welfare of the mice.
- The quality of your research improves.
- The interaction with the mice is calmer and more enjoyable, also for you.
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“In my PhD project with a substantial amount of behavioural experiments I faced the challenge of stress affecting my data. After changing to more animal-friendly handling techniques, the mice seemed more relaxed. The most fascinating part was seeing how, after investing some time into training the mice to tasks, they did not only show less stress-responsive behaviour, but also became more trusting and cooperative. This allowed for more tasks, like picking them up, weighting them, or carrying them to a box , to be carried out without fixating or unnecessarily stressing the animal.”
- Eileen Brouwer, PhD candidate, Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht
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"In our course, tube handling works much better than picking up mice by the base of the tail. The animals are clearly calmer and therefore easier for most students to catch - provided they have mastered the technique of tube handling!"
- Esther Langen - Article 9 course coordinator
There is an implementation plan in English available on request.
If have questions, or if you would you like to learn the method? Let us know. We will then link you to a source of information or trainer who will teach you the intricacies.