Pregnant mouse advice

Wed Oct 19, 2005 10:22 pm

Dylan got a mouse. She's white with black eyes and he thinks she might be pregnant. (He's in FL so I can't see her to know). But in case she is, I have some questions.

She's in a crittertrail cage right now but he is getting a rubbermaid thing in a few days.

Should he take the wheel out? It's a solid wheel.
When can he touch them?
When are they weaned?
When do they become sexually active?
Is it okay to have all the females in with mom and all the males in together after weaning? Or should the males immediately be seperated from each other?
Any special things he needs to do for her while she's pregnant?

Thu Oct 20, 2005 12:43 am

Should he take the wheel out? It's a solid wheel.

I don't usually take my wheels out, and as long as its a safe wheel, it should be okay. Just try to keep it away from the babies if possible.

When can he touch them?
That depends on how nervous the mother is. I handle mine from day one, but Mice do have the potential to cannibalize their babies if they feel stressed, so I would avoid handling them for a day or two if you're unsure of her reaction. I'd say around the second or third day you could try picking them up for a few minutes at a time.

When are they weaned?
Baby mice are usually weaned by 4 weeks. You can start putting soft food in their cage for them to nibble at around 3 weeks, or maybe even a little younger. Soymilk, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, anything nutritous and soft.

When do they become sexually active?
As early as 4 weeks, but I usually seperate mine at around 4 and a half weeks.

Is it okay to have all the females in with mom and all the males in together after weaning? Or should the males immediately be seperated from each other?
Girls can stay together, males usually get along if they're raised together, but if you see signs of serious fighting, do seperate them.

Any special things he needs to do for her while she's pregnant?
Give her a nesting box, some good nesting material (I just use shredded paper towels) and add some protein to her diet. Some mice are picky about trying new foods, but give her soymilk, a little kitten food, scrambled eggs, or anything else high in protein if she's willing to try it.
And above all- mice stress MUCH more easily than rats, so when you think she's near her time, keep her in a secure, quiet environment where she'll feel safe, and don't disturb her.

_________________
--Brittany

"He who breaks a thing to find out what it is, has left the path of wisdom."

Thu Oct 20, 2005 12:59 am

Well we're really hoping she isn't pregnant. I already told him he has to find her a new home after we find out whether she is or not. We aren't taking any animals with us. If I can't take my rats, he can't take this mouse. Rolling Eyes

_________________
Rats:
The boys:
Chester (PEW hairless), Kye (Black mismarked hooded), Scout (agouti), Reminder (Beige)

Tapioca(Beige hooded) RIP my big squishy boy...Play hard at the Rainbow Bridge.

Sat Oct 22, 2005 1:32 am

I do not know much about mouse pregnancy, but Crossed Fingers

that she isn't pregnant.

_________________
Rosie

* * *

I miss you Tut, Goldy, and Raoul Angel rat