Mouse dehydration as a consequence of water bottle design

Animal care technicians reported that accidental deaths of mice occur more frequently under certain weather conditions. This is surprising, given that modern mouse facilities are fully climate-controlled. Our investigation revealed that air bubbles become trapped in the drinking tube of water bottles and block the downward flow of water. Mice cannot drink from such bottles and become dehydrated. A coiled wire inside the drinking tube dislodges the air bubbles and ensures unrestricted access to water.