From house mouse to mouse house: the behavioural biology of free-living Mus musculus and its implications in the laboratory

Understanding a species’ behaviour in natural conditions can give insights into its development, responses and welfare in captivity. Here, we review research and pest control literatures on the free-living house mouse (Mus musculus), analysing its sensory world, developmental processes and behaviour to suggest how laboratory environments might affect mouse welfare, normalcy, test design, and behaviour. […]