What animal identification systems can be used for mice? Where can equipment and supplies be obtained?
Identification systems Several systems are available for individually identifying research mice. Depending on the circumstances, either temporary or permanent methods may be used. Temporary identification Several methods are particularly well suited for identifying cage mates. A felt tip marker may be used for marking an ear or tail: such marks usually disappear in 1-2 days. Food coloring may be used to dye a patch of fur: such marks generally last for 1-2 weeks but can be used only on albino and light colored mice. A patch of fur on the back or side of the mouse may be shaved: such marks generally last 1-4 weeks (depending on stage of the hair cycle) and can be used on any color mouse. Permanent identification Methods for permanently identifying mice include ear punching, ear tagging, tattooing, and subcutaneously implanting a numerically coded microchip. Ear punching, commonly used for identification of rodents, involves using a special punch to either produce a small (0.
