Avocado Oil

MisterMiceGuy was exploring increasing fat content in the diet of nursing mothers with the addition of Avocado Oil. I mixed a batch of “Love Mash” using avocado oil instead of cod liver oil. Additionally, Mazuri mouse feed was coated in Avocado Oil before being added to the food hopper.

A nursing female, Dopamine, who was given this Avocado oil coated food was observed with a hunched posture and a messy coat 4 days after giving birth. Additionally, the pups in her litter seemed to have unusually small milk spots. On the 4th day MisterMiceGuy noticed that the mother was aggressively eating only sunflower seeds. Concerned about the haunched appearance MisterMiceGuy tried adding non-oil-coated food pellets directly onto the bedding which the mother immediately started eating.

MisterMiceGuy was not able to find anything saying that Avocado oil was toxic to mice but suspects that Avocado oil makes the food unpalatable.

After uncoated food was supplied the mouse returned to an unhaunch posture later that day.

Mouse Breeding Guide

FANCY MOUSE BREEDING

One of my goals as a mouse breeder is to use mouse breeding to help others gain exposure to science and the natural world. I want to encourage and promote realistic animal breeding that’s based on science and I want it to be available to mature and responsible adults interested in these subjects. To accomplish this, I am writing this guide to becoming a fancy mouse breeder.

REALITIES OF MOUSE BREEDING

Mouse pups are cute but there are a lot of things that come with mouse breeding that are not cute. These include witnessing death, cannibalism and euthanasia. It’s not uncommon for a mouse breeder to find a dead mouse who has had its head eaten off by its cute cage mate. It’s also not uncommon to check in on your prized litter only to find that their mother has decided to eat the limbs off all her pups. It’s not for the faint of heart. In addition, there is also the reality of euthanasia. Although some might find it controversial euthanasia is frequently part of a breeding program that is carried out by the breeder themselves. This can be emotionally daunting, but some breeders feel it’s a necessary part of the hobby (Royer 1998). If you’re prepared to accept the realities of mouse breeding, then maybe you’re ready to explore mouse breeding as a hobby.

SETTING UP

Cages

First thing you will need are appropriate cages for the mice and a place to keep those cages. If you plan on breeding multiple generations of mice you will need multiple cages to support a small colony of mice. Mister Mice recommends a minimum of 4 cages. One to house your breeder male, one to house a female with pups, and two to grow out your pups.

Some mouse breeders make their own cages out of large plastic bins by adding wire mesh to the sides and lid for ventilation.  Suitable plastic or glass cages can also be purchased but hamster-style cages are not recommended (FMBA 2019).  You can find instructions to make these online.  Remember that good cage ventilation is important as this helps reduce the buildup of toxic ammonia fumes (Smith, Stockwell, Schweitzer, Langley, & Smith 2004)

Recommended cage sizes for mice is based on the size of the mouse with larger mice needing larger accommodations. For Mice being housed in groups it is recommended that a 25g mouse have a minimum 15 sq. in. of floor space. The minimum height for a cage is for mice is 5in. The minimum floor space for a mother with pups is 51 sq. in. (National Research Council 2010). To figure out the size of your cage multiply the length (in inches) by the width (in inches) and that will give you total square inches.

You will also need a place to keep these cages. MisterMiceGuy suggests using a wire utility shelf or similar shelving system. The shelves can be adjusted so you have plenty of space to house your mice on top and then you can have space on the bottom to house your mouse supplies such as bedding or food.

Bedding

Mice prefer beddings that contain large fibrous pieces (Blom, Van Tintelen, Van Vorstenbosch, Baumans & Beynen 1996). However not all large piece beddings are created equal. Untreated softwood beddings have been shown to affect the immune system and Cedar bedding has been associated with tumor development, altered liver enzyme functioning, and cytotoxicity in mice (Vlahakis 1977, National Research Council 2010 and Sabine, Horton, & Wicks 1973). Fancy Mice Breeders generally avoid cedar and other soft wood beddings (FMBA 2019). However, Kiln-dried pine maybe used as the kiln drying process reduces the aromatic hydrocarbons that are found in untreated pine. Special precautions should be taken regarding bedding used for hairless mice as their lack of eye lashes may contribute to conjunctivitis (Research Council 2010).

It’s worth noting that research has compared the ability of different beddings to control ammonia levels. This is relevant because ammonia is associated with disease in mice (Mexas, Brice, Caro, Hillanbrand, & Gaertner 2015). They found that the common paper-based bedding “Care fresh Ultra” performed significantly worse in controlling ammonia levels when compared to pine shavings, hardwood, or corn cob bedding (Smith, Stockwell, Schweitzer, Langley, & Smith 2004). Hardwood beddings, such as aspen shavings, are thought to be the best wood-based bedding for mice and are very good at controlling ammonia levels (FMBA 2019 and Smith, Stockwell, Schweitzer, Langley,& Smith 2004). It is common practice to replace bedding and sanitize cages weekly however some fancy mouse breeders recommend twice weekly cleanings (Mexas et al. 2015, AFRMA 2019)

Food and Water

Water bottles designed for small animals should be used to supply fresh water. Commercial “Lab block” style products designed for mice or rats can be used for food. Some breeders create their own food mixes (FMBA 2019). However, care should be taken as inappropriate macro nutrients, such as too little protein can have adverse effects on mice (Watkins et al. 2008).

ACQUIRING YOUR ANIMALS

When it comes down to it you have basically two options when it comes to getting animals to start with: pet store or private breeder. It’s common to find mice at pet stores but the quality of these mice can be lacking. It’s likely that these mice will have poor body types and poor temperament. You want to look for mice with broad heads and large ears in the coat color that you want. You will save a lot of time by starting off with a male that has the basic coat type and color that you want or that has exceptional type.

The preferred method is starting off with mice from a private breeder. You can locate private breeders on one of the fancy mouse breed club pages or by doing a google search. Again, its best to start with a male that closely matches the color and type that you are looking for. By purchasing from a breeder not only will you be starting off with higher quality animals but it’s likely that the breeder will know the genetic history of your animals. This can be useful if you have specific breeding goals.

HANDLING YOUR MICE 

Grasp the mouse by the tail near its base and place the mouse on a surface, such as your palm, that it can grab while maintaining your firm but gentle grip. Young mice should be picked up by scooping your hands around their entire body, or by picking up a group of baby mice along with some nesting material (Connor 2007).

BREEDING YOUR MICE

Breeding mice is straight forward. Mice are old enough to breed between 4-7 weeks of age. Pregnancy in mice lasts 19-21 days. Once mice are born, they will wean off their mothers milk in about 21 days. Litter sizes vary from small litters of 4 pups to large litters of 12 pups. A female mouse’s breeding life span is from 6 to 12 months, and total life span can be anywhere from 1 to 3 years (Connor 2007).

Female pups should be separated from their male siblings and father between 3 and 4 weeks of age. If they are allowed to remain longer, they may become pregnant. Female mice that are bred before 6 weeks of age are still immature and may have difficulty giving birth or be more likely to eat her offspring. Additionally, females may start to loose fertility after about 6 months of age (Connor 2007).

When pairing mice you should make note of the pairing by documenting the pair, the date of the pairing, the estimated date of birth (Connor 2007). Once the pups are born you can go back and note the 3 week date and the 6 week date so that you know when to separate the pups and when they can be breed. Mister Mice suggests keeping a small note book for this purpose called a Breeder’s Log.

When caring for a pregnant mouse a higher fat diet may be provided for milk production. Handling of the female should be avoided for the first day or two after birth as this may cause the mother to eat her pups. Actually, any stressful events such as noises, aggressive handling, or overcrowding can lead to decreased fertility and increased chance the mother will eat her pups (Connor 2007).

SELECTING BREEDING PAIRS

When selecting mice to breed it’s important to have a goal in mind.  Ask yourself what do I hope to achieve with this pairing?  Generally speaking, there are two basic methods of selecting pairs.  One is that you pair animals with similar trains with a goal on improving that trait.  For example, you pair your largest eared mouse with your largest eared mouse with the goal of producing even larger eared mice.  The other method is pairing animals based on the traits that they don’t have.  For example, you have a large eared mouse with a narrow head, and you breed it to a mouse with a wide head but small ears with the goal of producing a mouse with a wide head and large ears or at least reducing what you feel is a fault in that mouse. 

YOUR BREEDING PROGRAM

There is a difference between breeding a pair of mice and breeding a line of mice. In order for your mice to “breed true” you need to develop a line of mice the consistently produces mice with the desired traits. If this is your goal, then you need think about setting up a breeding plan (Greenwood-Dudar 2018).

The first step is to identify the traits that you want to see in the mice you are producing (Greenwood-Dudar 2018). Traits can include any of the observable physical or behavioral characteristics (Barber 2005 and Genetic Learning Center 2016). If you plan on showing mice you might want to familiarize yourself with the varieties of mice and the characteristics associated with them (FMBA 2019, AFRMA 2019, and Greenwood-Dudar 2018). The second step is developing a feel for what those traits should look like in your mice. This includes being able to evaluate a given mouse and determine if it has the traits you are looking for (Greenwood-Dudar 2018).

As a new breeder you can increase your knowledge in these areas by joining a mouse breeders club, contacting local mouse breeders, or reaching out to other breeders on social media. If there are mouse shows in your area attending those might be helpful (Greenwood-Dudar 2018).

PUP DEVELOPMENT

Growth: Mice develop rapidly between birth and 4 weeks and you will notice daily changes. On days 3-4 the ears will lift away from the head. On day 6-7 a coat of fine fuzzy fur starts to grow. On 9 day nipples are visible on females only. On days 10-11 their teeth break through their gums. On days 12-14 their eyes will open (Connor 2007).

Weaning: At about 3 weeks old mice will look a lot like tiny adults and will be ready to eat solid foods. If pups are separated too early from their mother, they may die so it’s important to know they are eating on their own before separation. One wat to test this to observe the pup’s behavior when you remove the lid to their cage. If the pups lay still, they are too young. However, if they run or jump around the cage then they are old enough to be separated (Connor 2007).

TRAIT SELECTION

If you are a member of a mouse breeding club then take a peak of the club’s “standards” to see the traits that are desirable in show mice.  These are the traits you want to select for.  It might be helpful to google show mice to get an idea of what show mice look like.

There are two different stages in which mouse selection occurs.  Once when the mice are pups and another time when the mice are adults.  When the mice are adults it should be easier to tell if they have the traits you are looking for.  When you have a new litter it can be hard to tell if the mice will have the traits you are looking for.  Usually when selecting pups out of a litter you want to look at the width of the pups head and overall size of the pup.  Unfortunately, there are some traits (such as angora) you just won’t be able to select for until the mice have matured. 

Sex is also an important trait you want to pay attention to.  Male pups cannot be bred back to their father and they will fight with other males so breeders will often cull all their male pups. In fact, any pup that is small, sickly, or doesn’t have the traits you want needs to be culled from the breeding program.

CULLING

Culling is simply removing an animal from your breeding population. It is sometimes divided into Hard Culling and Soft Culling. Hard Culling refers to euthanizing ill or unwanted animals. Soft Culling refers to removing of the animals by re-homing or by simply not using them in your breeding program any longer.

It would be nice if all the mice you produce were healthy and you could find homes for them. However, the reality is that mice produce far more offspring that you could possibly rehome. Additionally, in the wild most of these individuals would not survive. This high mortality rate in the wild is why mice produce so many offspring. In the captive breeding environment this makes culling a useful tool for the breeder.

There are two acceptable means of culling are Carbon Dioxide (CO2) for adult mice and Hypothermia for mice under 7 days old. The best way of using CO2 is by means of compressed gas cylinders as this allows you to regulate the flow of gas. Its preferable that mice be euthanized in their home cage but if not, a clean cage should be used (AVMA Guidelines 2013). Some breeders create their own CO2 gas using citric acid and baking soda. A 2-liter soda bottle system designed for aquarium CO2 injection might be used. Additionally, some breeders use CO2 cartridges and valves designed for brewing. (NEED CITATIONS)

Hypothermia is an acceptable means of euthanasia but only for mice under 7 days old (aka pinkies). This is because baby mice do not produce their own body heat. Death by hypothermia can be achieve by gradual cooling in a refrigerator. Mice should not be placed directly on cold or pre-cooled surfaces as this can cause tissue damage and potentially pain (AVMA Guidelines 2013).

Some mouse breeders cull unwanted pinkies in the belief that the pups that remain are healthier (Royer 1998). Research has indicated that pups from unculled litters have a reduced weight of 4% but that this difference disappears by 3 months of age (Paigen, Marion, Stearns, Harper and Svenson 2014). Additionally, some breeders believe that culling the males (which are larger) and leaving behind females will produce larger healthier females (Royer 2014).

ETHICS

There are many factors involved in being an ethical breeder (Royer 2015) Being an ethical breeder involves being concerned with animal welfare. Animal welfare is allowing animals to be healthy, comfortable, safe and free from fear and pain among other things (American Veternary Medical Association 2019). Being an Ethical Mouse Breeder involves breeding animals that are selected for traits that improve the health and appearance of animals and not breeding sickly individuals. It involves humane euthanasia of unwanted animals and using those animals in some resourceful way such as for food or education. Please see my article on Animal Welfare for more information on this topic.

JOINING A MOUSE CLUB

Once you’re setup with your mouse breeding program you might consider joining a Fancy Mouse Breeders Club.  This will allow people to find you as a breeder, puts you in contact with other breeders, and allows you to find and participate in mouse showing competitions.  Two common clubs in the US are the Fancy Mouse Breeders’ Association and the American Fancy Rat & Mouse Association.  When you join one of this clubs you will select your official breeder name.

In addition to Joining a club you will want to setup a simple website, facebook, Instagram, or other social media account for your mice.  It can be simple with your contact information and location.  It should also describe the types of mice you are working on.

REFERENCES

American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (2019) Retrieved from: AFRMA.org

American Veterinarian Medical Association (2019). What is Animal Welfare? Retrieved from: https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/AnimalWelfare/Pages/what-is-animal-welfare.aspx

AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2013 Edition.  AVMA Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Documents/euthanasia.pdf

Blom, H.J.M., Van Tintelen, G., Van Vorstenbosch, C.J.A.H.V., Baumans, V. and Beynen, A.C., 1996. Preferences of mice and rats for types of bedding material. Laboratory animals, 30(3), pp.234-244.

Connor, A.B. (2007) Aurora’s Guide to Mouse Colony Management at MIT. Retrieved from https://ki.mit.edu/files/ki/cfile/sbc/escell/mouseManagement.pdf

Hermenegildo, C., Marcaida, G., Montoliu, C., Grisolía, S., Miñana, M.D. and Felipo, V., 1996. NMDA receptor antagonists prevent acute ammonia toxicity in mice. Neurochemical research, 21(10), pp.1237-1244.

Mexas, A.M., Brice, A.K., Caro, A.C., Hillanbrand, T.S. and Gaertner, D.J. (2015) Nasal histopathology and intracage ammonia levels in female groups and breeding mice housed in static isolation cages. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, 54(5), pp.478-486.

National Research Council (2010) Guide for the care and use of laboratory animals. National Academies Press.

Paigen, B., Marion, M.A., Stearns, T.M., Harper, J.M. and Svenson, K.L., 2014. The effect of culling on health and physiology of mouse litters. Laboratory animals, 48(3), pp.207-215.

Royer, N. 1998. Culling: The question that has plagued the fancy for many years. American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association. Retrieved from: http://www.afrma.org/culling.htm

Royer, N. 2015. A Responsible Breeder’s Code of Ethics. American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association. Retrieved from: http://www.afrma.org/breedethics.htm

Royer, N (2014) Culling: The question that has plagued the fancy for many years. American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association. Retrieved from http://www.afrma.org/culling.htm

Sabine, J.R., Horton, B.J. and Wicks, M.B., 1973. Spontaneous tumors in C3H-A vy and C3H-A vy fB mice: high incidence in the United States and low incidence in Australia. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 50(5), pp.1237-1242.

Smith, E., Stockwell, J.D., Schweitzer, I., Langley, S.H. and Smith, A.L., 2004. Evaluation of cage micro-environment of mice housed on various types of bedding materials. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, 43(4), pp.12-17.

Vlahakis, G., 1977. Brief Communication: Possible Carcinogenic Effects of Cedar Shavings in Bedding of C3H-Avy fB Mice. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 58(1), pp.149-150.

Watkins, A., Wilkins, A., Cunningham, C., Perry, V., Seet, M., Osmond, C., Eckert, J., Torrens, C., Cagampang, F., Cleal, J. and Gray, W. 2008. Low protein diet fed exclusively during mouse oocyte maturation leads to behavioural and cardiovascular abnormalities in offspring. The Journal of physiology, 586(8), pp.2231-2244.

Genetic Learning Center (2016). Inherited Human Traits: A Quick Reference. University of Utah. Retrieved from: https://health.utah.gov/genomics/familyhistory/documents/Family%20Reunion/reference%20guide.pdf

Barber, N. (2015) What Behaviors Do We Inherit via Genes? Psychology Today. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-human-beast/201509/what-behaviors-do-we-inherit-genes

Greenwood-Dudar, A. (2018) Establishing A Bloodline: Selection Of Brood Stock And Breeding Styles. American Dog Breeders Association. Retrieved from: https://adbadog.com/establishing-bloodline-selection-brood-stock-breeding-styles/

New Lab Cages

So far MisterMiceGuy has used 10 gallon glass aquariums and extra large plastic critter carriers with a modified lid to house his mice. Recently MisterMiceGuy acquired 5 mouse lab breeding cages from Reptile Basics Inc. The cages are made from durable High-density polyethylene and have a 1/4″ stainless screen top with accomodations for food and water. Each cage can accommodate 1-3 mice (Reptile Basics Inc. 2020). As March 20, 2020, two of the cages have been in use for 11 days.

Mouse breeder cage from Reptile Basics Inc. (Photo Credit: Reptile Basics Inc. 2020)

Initially MisterMiceGuy was reluctant to use laboratory cages due to the cost of each enclosure and the opacity of the cage. However, after using them MisterMiceGuy regrets not having invested in laboratory style cage from the beginning.

In the new cages the plastic water bottle rests above the cage lid out of reach of the mice, minus the metal water dispenser part. Prior mice had full access to the entire plastic bottle. This resulted in the bottle occasionally being chewed through and the mice periodically experiencing stressful periods without water. MisterMiceGuy has noticed that mice deteriorate very quickly without access to water. The new cages eliminate that problem allowing mice access to continual clean water without periods of dehydration. This also reduces costs incurred by replacing plastic water bottles that have been chewed through.

Secondly the new cages have a food hopper built into the lid. This keeps the food from being contaminated in the bedding and allows it to be dispensed as needed. Prior the food was distributed on to the bedding. Although foraging for food can be beneficial to mice (Lecker and Froberg-Fejko 2016), this meant that the food would be soiled with urine and faeces. Additionally the food would quickly disappear into the bedding making it difficult to determine how much food when the food had run out. The resulted in periods were food was wasted or periods were mice may have been underfed. The new cages eliminate these problems by keeping the food uncontaminated and easy to view and resupply.

The cages are also lightweight and very easy to clean. Now that the food isn’t being mixed into the bedding and the water bottles arn’t being damaged the bedding staying cleaner longer and less bedding is used over all. 10 gallon glass tanks are fragile, cumbersome and difficult to clean and MisterMiceGuy does not recommend them for this reason.

MisterMiceGuy has observed improved overall appearance of the mice kept in the new cages. So far MisterMiceGuy highly recommends investing in laboratory style cages for the serious hobby breeder.

References

Reptile Basics Inc. (2020) Mouse Breeding Cage. Retrieved from: https://www.reptilebasics.com/M10

Lecker, J., and Froberg-Fejko, K. (2016) Using environmental enrichment and nutritional supplementation to improve breeding success in rodents. Bio Serv, 45(10), 406-407.

Improving Mouse Breeding Success With Nutrition

So here at MisterMiceGuy I have been having trouble getting my mice to reproduce and so I’ve been exploring potential factors that might being impairing my mice from breeding. I’ve been looking into factors such as parasites as well as improving nutrition to overcome this hurdle.

Something that can affect breeding and pup survival is stress. Disturbances such as too much handling, noises, and vibrations can causes mothers to cannibalize their own litters. (Lecker and Froberg-Fejko 2016). Cannibalism due to stress can be reduced by providing a source of high quality protein, such as dried mealworms or sunflower seeds (Lecker and Froberg-Fejko 2016).

In one instance there was a construction situation going on were lab mice were exposed to construction noise and vibrations. By providing mice with dried mealworms workers were able to completely eliminate cannibalism despite exposure to the stressors and changing animal rooms five times (Lecker and Froberg-Fejko 2016). In another instance there was a transgenic line of mice that was prone to cannibalism. This tendency was completely eliminated by providing dried mealworms to mothers and pups (Lecker and Froberg-Fejko 2016).

Like mealworms, Sunflower seeds are a high quality source of nutrition that deliver protein, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Supplementing mothers and pups with sunflower seeds can significantly increase pup survival (Lecker and Froberg-Fejko 2016).

Along with protein, fat supplementation can aid in breeding performance and milk production (Lecker and Froberg-Fejko 2016). Supplementation with a home made mix called “Love mash” can help with this. Ingredients include 42 oz oatmeal, 200ml wheat germ, 200ml brewer’s yeast, and 150ml cod liver oil. The ingredients are mixed dry without cooking and given to the mice (Kagle 2014). Love Mash can be supplied in conjunction with regular mouse food (Lecker and Froberg-Fejko 2016).

The Omega-3 Fatty acids present in the cold liver oil have shown to aid in breeding performance for both males and females (Lecker and Froberg-Fejko 2016).

Research has shown this Love Mash improves the quality of eggs and embryos that females produce, increases litter size by 40%, increases fertilization rate, increases milk production, and increases body weight of pups (Lecker and Froberg-Fejko 2016).

MisterMiceGuy is trying a Modified Love Mash Supplementation consisting of dried old fashioned oats, wheat germ, olive oil, and water mixed in a bowl and microwaved for one minute. The mix is allowed to cool before being crumbled and given to mice. I don’t measure the ingredients I just eyeball the amounts and add it to the mouse feed. I am also supplying my mice with mealworms. I would like to note that the Modified Love Mash is extremely well received by all my mice. I will try the regular Love Mash recipe soon and will continue to explore other cost effective love mash type alternatives.

References

Lecker, J., and Froberg-Fejko, K. (2016) Using environmental enrichment and nutritional supplementation to improve breeding success in rodents. Bio Serv, 45(10), 406-407.

Kagle, D. (2014) 5 reasons your mice aren’t breeding. The Jackson Labratory. Retrieved from: https://www.jax.org/news-and-insights/jax-blog/2014/december/five-reasons-why-your-mice-are-not-breeding

The Common Mouse Mite, Myocoptes musculinus

Mites are a common problem in laboratory mice with somewhere around 33% of research institutions reporting at least one colony infection of mites (Mook and Benjamin 2008). The most common species being the surface-feeding species, Myocoptes musculinus (Mook and Benjamin 2008).

The most common species of fur mite in mice Myocoptes musculinus, photo credit: (Сергій амікус ест 2019)

The life cycle of Myocoptes musculinus ranges from 8 to 14 day with eggs hatching around day 5. Newborn mice are infected within 4 to 5 days of birth. Fur mite nymphs and eggs are transmitted by close contact of individuals or through infected bedding. The life cycle and hatching rate of mites vary depending on the species, with other species such as Mycoptes musculi having a longer 23 day life cycle (Mook and Benjamin 2008).

The effects of a mite infestation are varied and can include dermatitis, allergic responses, and immune dysfunction as well as behavior changes (Mook and Benjamin 2008).

Drugs such as ivermectin, selamectin, moxidectin can be used to treat mite infestations. Selamectin is similar to ivermectin but has been modified to improve its safety. Its is effective at treating a variety of mite species including is effective in the treatment of surface-feeding mite species such as Otodectes cynotis , Cheyletiella yasurgi and burrowing species such as Sarcoptes scabei (Mook and Benjamin 2008).

Some studies report a complete elimination of fur mites in just one dose of Selamectin applied topically while others required a follow up dose applied one month later (Mook and Benjamin 2008)

References

Mook, D. M., & Benjamin, K. A. (2008). Use of selamectin and moxidectin in the treatment of mouse fur mites. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS, 47(3), 20–24.

MisterMiceGuy Wins Best in Show at the FMBA Virtual Show

MisterMiceGuy has won best in show at FMBA’s 2019 virtual show. The win was announced in the March Mouse Minute magazine Issue 55. The winner was featured on the cover of the magazine and is shown above. This is a Under 8 week (U8) old male Blue Merle Texel owned by MisterMiceGuy. In addition to being Best in Show, this mouse placed first in the U8 coated category. MisterMiceGuy also one second place in the U8 Coated category with a beautiful Silver Roan Texel Doe.

Both winners were featured in MisterMiceGuy’s time lapse video of mouse pups growing which can be seen here.

Activist Bias in Science: Activism vs. Empirical Evidence

Left-wing activists are often skeptical of the idea of scientific objectivity, viewing it as an inherently biased perspective that supports existing power structures.  Additionally, they often oppose empirical observations especially when they do not align with their activist goals. This opposition to objectivity can lead to an emphasis on narratives that align with ideological values rather than evidence-based approaches, particularly in fields like that relate to biology and psychology.  When activism prioritizes ideological beliefs over empirical findings, it risks undermining scientific credibility and distorting public understanding of complex issues. Here, we examine key areas where left-wing activism diverges from scientific consensus.

1. Behavioral Differences: Oversimplifying Nature vs. Nurture

The nature vs. nurture debate is central to understanding human behavior, personality, and social dynamics. While it’s well established that both genetic and environmental factors shape behavior, research suggests that certain behavioral tendencies—such as aggression, impulsivity, and risk-taking—can have biological roots that interact with socialization.

Left-wing activist narratives often emphasize environmental and social causes exclusively, asserting that any observable behavioral differences are purely the result of cultural conditioning. This approach can oversimplify complex scientific findings, which consistently show that biology and environment are both necessary to fully explain human behavior. Ignoring biological influences in favor of an all-encompassing “nurture” explanation can lead to policies and social expectations that overlook individual and group differences rooted in both genetic and environmental factors, limiting the effectiveness of interventions and support systems.

2. Gender and Sex Differences: Denying Reality

One of the most prominent areas where left-wing activism diverges from scientific evidence is in its understanding of gender and sex differences. Scientific research shows that biological sex is rooted in chromosomes, gametes, hormones, and reproductive anatomy, and these differences influence various physical, cognitive, and health-related traits. For example, studies show that, on average, males and females differ in areas such as risk tolerance, aggression, and spatial reasoning.

However, many left-wing activist narratives emphasize that “gender” is entirely a social construct and argue that differences between men and women are solely products of cultural norms. While socialization is undoubtedly influential, this perspective downplays biological contributions. In healthcare, this resistance to acknowledging sex-based differences has sometimes led to calls for gender-neutral language and policies that ignore critical distinctions, which can hinder patient care by overlooking differences in how diseases present and how treatments work in male and female bodies. An accurate understanding of both biological and social factors is essential in healthcare and other fields, where overlooking these nuances for inclusivity can inadvertently harm outcomes.

3. Human Cognition and Intelligence Research: Suppressing Biological Influences

Intelligence research is a particularly sensitive area in psychology and biology, especially when it comes to acknowledging genetic and biological influences on cognitive ability. While intelligence is a complex trait shaped by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, left-wing activist narratives often assert that all cognitive differences are the result of environmental inequalities. This view can lead to the suppression or dismissal of studies examining biological influences on intelligence, despite evidence that cognitive ability is influenced by both genetic inheritance and life circumstances.

An overly ideological approach to intelligence research limits our understanding of cognitive development and prevents open inquiry into how both biology and environment contribute to differences in cognitive abilities. By disregarding biological influences, activists risk promoting a simplified view of intelligence that doesn’t account for the multifaceted nature of human cognition and may prevent the development of targeted educational interventions that could benefit diverse populations.

5. Addiction Psychology: Downplaying Genetic Factors in Favor of Environmental Explanations

Addiction is a complex disorder influenced by both biological and social factors. Scientific research indicates that genetic factors account for about 40-60% of a person’s vulnerability to addiction, with the remainder shaped by environmental influences like poverty, trauma, and social pressures. However, many left-wing activist narratives emphasize environmental causes exclusively, framing addiction solely as a product of social injustice and inequality.

While social determinants are undoubtedly significant, a complete view of addiction must account for genetic predispositions. Overlooking biological factors can lead to policies that focus only on social solutions, which, while important, may not fully address addiction’s complexity. Effective treatment often requires an integrative approach, including medication-assisted therapy, psychological support, and social resources. Activist-driven resistance to acknowledging genetic predispositions can limit access to certain treatments and lead to ineffective or incomplete solutions.

6. Bias and Censorship in Academia: Ideological Pressure in Research Agendas

Aggressive left-wing activism in academia has also led to concerns about ideological influence over scientific research. In fields like psychology, biology, and medicine, certain research topics—such as sex-based differences, intelligence, and behavioral genetics—face heightened scrutiny or are sometimes outright avoided due to fears of backlash or accusations of promoting inequality.

This ideological pressure creates a chilling effect that can prevent researchers from exploring scientifically valid but politically sensitive topics. Science depends on the freedom to pursue challenging questions, even those that may have uncomfortable implications. When activist-driven agendas lead to self-censorship or pressure scientists to avoid particular areas of study, it compromises academic freedom and limits our understanding of complex human traits and behaviors. The potential for meaningful societal change depends on a research environment where empirical evidence, rather than ideology, guides scientific inquiry.

The Need to Identify Bias and Question Activist Narratives in Science

In fields like biology and psychology, where our understanding of human nature is constantly evolving, it’s essential to approach research with a critical eye. Activist narratives, however well-intentioned, can sometimes impose ideological filters that narrow the scope of inquiry or shape findings to fit a particular worldview. Recognizing and questioning bias—whether in scientific research or activist rhetoric—fosters a more comprehensive and balanced understanding, free from assumptions that oversimplify complex human traits.  When scientific findings are overlooked or distorted for ideological coherence, it limits our capacity to address real-world issues effectively. Activist-driven pressure to adopt certain world views disregard certain data risks creating policies and public attitudes that may be well-meaning but lack nuance, accuracy, and, ultimately, effectiveness.

From Conformity to Curiosity: Why Critical Thinking Matters More Than Ever

Introduction:
Growing up in a fundamentalist Christian environment, I learned that questioning religious doctrines or leadership was forbidden. My curiosity was stifled by a culture of silence, and dissent was met with disapproval. I was taught that asking the “wrong” questions could lead me astray and that certain truths were not open for discussion. This conditioning to avoid questioning became a barrier to my personal growth and intellectual freedom. Years later, I found myself facing a different but familiar rigidity among left-wing activists. Here, too, diverging from the dominant narrative, even if slightly, led to backlash including insults, accusations, name calling, and shunning. These parallel experiences reinforced the importance of embracing curiosity and critical thinking as the foundations of a fulfilling and meaningful life.

This journey for growth and curiosity eventually led me to pursue an education in behavioral science and explore ways to contribute to society through science education. These guiding principles have shaped my development of MisterMiceGuy—a platform where I advocate for the value of questioning and curiosity, especially in psychology, by adding relatable, tangible topics in animal husbandry and behavior. Through MisterMiceGuy, I aim to foster a deeper understanding of the world by bridging scientific inquiry with accessible, hands-on topics in animal behavior.

The Silencing Effect
In both environments, I found that challenging dominant ideas was not just discouraged but often met with punishment or ostracism. Growing up, the teachings were absolute, and doubt was cast as a dangerous path leading away from salvation. I remember moments of quiet unease, sensing inconsistencies but feeling unable to voice them without risking disapproval. Later, in left wing activist circles, I noticed a similar silencing effect. Expressing views that didn’t align with the accepted stance led to labels, criticism, or worse. This suppression of free thought is more than a personal issue—it has profound implications for society. When people are discouraged from voicing dissent or challenging accepted narratives, the opportunity for meaningful growth and progress is lost.

Both these settings taught me that freedom of thought is essential for authentic personal development. Just as a curious mind is fundamental to science, so too should it be to all aspects of life. Suppressing questions not only limits individuals but also stifles the collective pursuit of knowledge and truth. At MisterMiceGuy, my goal is to break away from these rigid structures and create a space where critical inquiry and curiosity are celebrated, not punished.

The Value of Critical Thinking
Psychology has been my path to exploring the importance of curiosity and questioning. In this field, critical thinking is essential to advance knowledge, challenge misconceptions, and remain open to new ideas. Psychology is constantly evolving, and it’s crucial to question assumptions, including our own. In my own research, whether I’m investigating animal cognition or delving into behavioral science, curiosity drives every question and discovery. The tools of science—observation, skepticism, and hypothesis testing—are deeply reliant on this spirit of inquiry.

MisterMiceGuy is an extension of this perspective. By sharing content that encourages questioning and exploration, I aim to promote these same qualities in others. Through examining animal behavior, studying comparative psychology, or delving into the science behind animal husbandry, I hope to inspire readers to see the world through a lens of curiosity. Science isn’t a rigid set of facts; it’s a dynamic process that grows and changes as we learn. And critical thinking is what allows us to separate valuable insights from outdated ideas, bringing a richer understanding to everything we do.

Education as Empowerment
Reflecting on my own journey, I see how important education and critical inquiry are in empowering individuals to make informed decisions and resist harmful ideologies. Fundamentalist teachings, by limiting questioning, foster a cycle of intellectual dependence. On the other hand, environments where ideas can be openly discussed foster empowerment and growth. MisterMiceGuy is my attempt to build a space that encourages open-minded exploration and the celebration of science. By sharing my journey and promoting curiosity, I hope to inspire others to challenge assumptions, investigate deeply, and embrace complexity.

Science is a field that values questions, and through MisterMiceGuy, I want to show that the courage to ask questions is a strength, not a weakness. Whether you’re examining animal minds or human psychology, every question brings us closer to understanding the vast complexity of life. By fostering a culture of curiosity and critical thinking, we can create a more open-minded society that values informed perspectives and resists the pull of rigid ideologies.

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Charles Darwin & Natural Selection

Charles Darwin: The Foundations of Evolution and Its Impact on Cognitive Behavioral Psychology

General Background

Charles Darwin, born on February 12, 1809, in Shrewsbury, England, remains one of the most influential figures in scientific history. His upbringing in a well-educated family set the stage for his lifelong curiosity about the natural world. Darwin’s initial academic endeavors aimed at a medical career, but his true passion lay in exploring and understanding nature. This passion led him to the University of Cambridge, where he would eventually embark on a voyage that would change the course of scientific thought.

Darwin and the Galápagos Islands

In 1831, Darwin set sail on the HMS Beagle, a journey that would provide him with the foundational observations for his theory of evolution by natural selection. The Galápagos Islands, a key stop on this voyage, offered Darwin a unique view into the variation of species. Here, he observed finches with different beak shapes, adapted to their specific feeding habits on each island. These observations were critical in shaping his ideas about how species change over time and adapt to their environments.

The Concept of Natural Selection

Darwin introduced the concept of natural selection in his seminal work, “On the Origin of Species,” in 1859. He proposed that organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on these advantageous traits to their offspring. Over time, this process leads to the evolution of species. Natural selection provided a scientific explanation for the diversity of life on Earth, challenging the prevailing notions of a static, unchanging creation.

Impact on Cognitive Behavioral Psychology

Darwin’s theories of evolution and natural selection have profound implications beyond biology, notably in cognitive behavioral psychology. Understanding the evolutionary origins of human behavior and cognition is fundamental to this field. Darwin’s work laid the groundwork for the concept of evolutionary psychology, which examines how evolutionary principles shape human thought, behavior, and emotions. This perspective helps cognitive behavioral psychologists understand the adaptive purposes of behaviors and mental processes, including how they might go awry and contribute to psychological disorders.

Moreover, Darwin’s emphasis on observable behavior and its environmental determinants echoes the focus of behavioral psychology, a precursor to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). By appreciating the evolutionary context of behaviors, cognitive behavioral psychologists can devise more effective strategies for addressing maladaptive behaviors and thought patterns. Darwin’s influence thus extends into therapeutic practices, where insights into the evolutionary underpinnings of human cognition and behavior inform interventions designed to promote psychological well-being.

Conclusion

Charles Darwin’s contributions to science revolutionized our understanding of the natural world and its inhabitants, including humans. His theories of evolution and natural selection not only transformed biology but also provided valuable frameworks for exploring human psychology. In cognitive behavioral psychology, Darwin’s legacy endures, offering a deeper understanding of the roots of behavior and cognition and guiding effective therapeutic practices. His work reminds us of the intricate connections between our biological heritage and psychological experiences, highlighting the adaptive nature of our behaviors in the face of environmental challenges.