More mice are used in scientific and medical research than all other types of animal combined. Caring for mice so that they are healthy and content is crucial for their sake, and for the sake of the science. Food and water is usually provided 'ad lib,' the mice can eat and drink as much as they want. The absorbent material at the bottom of the cage is cleaned out regularly, typically every week. Cages have chew sticks and cardboard tubes to hide in and chew. Rodent teeth keep growing so mice have to chew to wear them down. Nesting material is also added and in some places seeds and dried fruit are hidden in with the bottom wood-chips so that the mice are stimulated to explore and dig.

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