Digging - Scrape-Dig

Scrape-dig is a form of digging that typically occurs at the beginning of the nesting behavioral sequence.

The mouse performs a series of forepaw movements alternated by backwards kicking of both hind legs simultaneously. This results in the heap under the abdomen of the animal being moved further back.

Nesting Behavior, in Maintenance Behaviors, variant of Digging

Nesting behavior occurs in the contexts of reprodution, pup rearing, and environmental changes.

• Scrape-dig is a variant of Digging.
• In wild mouse populations digging can be observed while the mouse is foraging for food or for the purposes of burrowing.
• In the laboratory setting some digging behavior may be viewed as a stereotypy.