Mouse behavioral assessment
Copyright Dr. Huda Zoghbi
Behavioral Assessment of Mice: Nest Building
Mice build nests for shelter, protection from predators, and heat conservation when suitable material is present. Nest building can be used to determine social skills. In the laboratory, mice are given squares of pressed cotton. Wild-type mice typically build a nest in the shape of a cocoon, with well developed walls and a partial roof (A). Mice carrying a genetic mutation similar to Rett Syndrome only partially shred nesting material, or build a shallow nest without walls (B and C).
