hair loss in mice

Question
Hi, just this afternoon, i noticed that three of my mice, housed in the same cage have a bald spot on their head.

my mice don't usually fight but that could be possible too. it is not exactly bald, just a reduced patch of fur, kind of like if sumone accidentally set the shaver on it. recently, about two weeks ago, i changed the brand of the bedding to another one. is that a cause of the loss in hair. my mum thinks they probably fought and caused this on each other. after all, mice have claws.

they are still very active and don't look sick to me. there's no sign of bleeding and scratching. currently, they are surviving on a diet of corn, and bread, some vegetables, and occasionally, cheese. is there a problem with that?

Answer
Hello Cheryl -

This sounds like a dominant condition called Barbering.

Barbering is a unique condition witnessed in mice who are housed together. Mice, like chickens, develop a pecking order. As a sign of dominance, one mouse will literally chew the fur and whiskers off of the more submissive mice. This may result in having only one mouse in a group of mice having all of its hair - the dominant one. Overcrowding, age at weaning, and diet may influence the amount of barbering, which may also have a learned-behavior component. Some genetic strains of mice may be more prone to barber.

The best way to prevent this condition is to separate the mice. If only the dominant mouse is removed, another (the second-in-command) may assume the role of dominant mouse and also barber the subordinate mice. Barbering is seen more commonly in groups of female mice. Male mice will tend to fight instead.

I hope this information has helped you and your pets.

Thank you and best wishes -

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist