What specific behavior among mice serves to reinforce social bonds and indicate a stable colony structure?

Allogrooming, where mice mutually groom one another.

Allogrooming is identified as a positive and crucial social behavior within a mouse colony. This activity involves mice taking turns grooming each other, extending beyond simple hygiene maintenance. Its deeper function is socio-emotional; it actively reinforces social bonds, builds trust among group members, and serves as a clear, visible indicator that the colony structure is healthy and stable. When members of a group regularly participate in mutual grooming, it strongly suggests that they feel secure within their shared territory and have established harmonious relationships, contrasting sharply with behaviors associated with stress or aggression.