Restraint and Handling  Comments & suggestions  should be directed to jroese@lssu.edu Visit my website STEP 1.  Grasp the base or middle third of the tail with the fingers or smooth forceps. Step 1 - The mouse is caught and picked up by grasping the base or middle third of the tail with the fingers or smooth forceps. STEP 2.  Once cauught, allow the mouse to grasp a wire cage lid with its front feet. Step 5 - Hold the tail against the palm of the hand using the fourth and fifth fingers. Step 2 - Once caught, the mouse is placed on a wire cage lid. Step 3 - Grasp the mouse by the loose skin behind the neck and ears with the thumb and forefingers. Step 4 - The tail is grasped between the thumb and forefinger of the other hand. STEP 5.  Hold the tail against the palm of the hand using the fourth and fifth fingers.  This technique is commonly used to quickly examine a mouse or to administer an injection.  Pregnant or obese mice should be handled gently and supported with a hand under their feet. STEP 4.  Grasp the tail between the thumb and forefinger of the other hand. STEP 3.  Grasp the mouse by the loose skin behind the neck and ears with the thumb and forefinger.  Use care to make sure that the skin around the neck is not pulled so tightly that the mouse cannot breathe.