Grooming

Grooming is a maintenance behavior that functions to maintain the physiological stasis, comfort, and appearance of the mouse. Grooming occurs sporadically during periods of activity and can become more intense after feeding.

Usually in a sitting position, the mouse will lick its fur, groom with the forepaws, or scratch with any limb. Often the mouse will mix all of these grooming behaviors. Grooming typically follows a sequence of four behaviors:

1. Elliptical Stroke: Elliptical asymmetric movements of the forepaws over the nose and muzzle, alternating the major and minor paw.
2. Unilateral Stroke: Alternating strokes of the forepaw across the vibrissae and the eye.
3. Bilateral Stroke: Large symmetric bilateral strokes of the forepaws that begin behind the ears and pass over the whole face.
4. Body Licking: Licking of the whole body, typically moving rostrally to caudally.

Berridge et al., 2005

Maintenance Behaviors

When self-grooming, the behavior follows the distinct sequence listed above. Grooming can occur in three additional contexts:

1. Allo-grooming is grooming another mouse, generally in an affiliative or maternal context.
2. Post-copulatory groom follows successful mating.
3. Ulcerative dermatitis is an abnormal behavior characterized by excessive scratching at the end of the normal grooming sequence.