Baby mice are born after only 19–21 days of gestation, and they are born hairless and blind. Their mothers take special care to protect and provide for them, but sometimes they can become separated from their families. Here’s what to do if you find a baby mouse in need of help.
The first step when encountering a baby mouse is to determine whether it actually needs help or not. Most baby mice that are found alone are not actually abandoned – their mothers are usually nearby or returning very soon. However, there are certain signs to look for that would indicate that a mouse may need help:
- The mouse feels cold to the touch or has been exposed to extreme heat
- The mouse is covered in fleas or other insects
- The mouse is injured, bleeding, or has a broken limb
- The mouse is tiny, with closed eyes and no fur
How to Care for a Baby Mouse
It is important to note that baby mice are very delicate animals and must be handled with great care. When first discovering a baby mouse, you should:
- Wash your hands thoroughly, and wear gloves or use a sterile barrier when handling the mouse
- Prepare a warm, quiet, and dark environment for the mouse, to keep it calm and reduce stress
- Provide the mouse with a heat source, such as a heating pad set to a low temperature, a hot water bottle, or even a warm sock filled with uncooked rice
- Offer the mouse a cotton ball or other soft material to snuggle against, which will also help to absorb any urine or feces
Once you have provided a warm, safe space for the mouse, it is important to feed it. Baby mice require frequent feedings – as often as every 2–3 hours – and should always be fed a formula designed specifically for rodents. Most pet stores carry rodent milk replacers, which are a good choice for feeding baby mice that have been orphaned or separated from their mothers. You can also make your own formula by combining human baby formula with acidophilus yogurt or soy milk.
Feeding Techniques for Baby Mice
When feeding a baby mouse, it is important to keep in mind the following:
- Use an eyedropper or syringe to feed the mouse, being careful not to force too much milk into its tiny mouth
- Do not feed the mouse cow’s milk, as it can cause upset stomachs or diarrhea
- Make sure the formula is warm, but not hot, before feeding it to the mouse
- Offer the mouse small amounts of formula, and wait for it to swallow before giving it more
Continue feeding the mouse every few hours until it is big enough to eat on its own. Once the mouse has grown enough to eat solid food, you can start introducing it to a diet of rodent pellets and plenty of fresh water.
When to Seek Professional Help
It is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian, wildlife rehabilitator, or animal rescue before attempting to care for a baby mouse on your own. These professionals can provide you with advice, resources, and the proper equipment for caring for the mouse.
If you are unsure about how to care for the mouse or if you are unable to provide the proper care, it is best to take the mouse to a professional as soon as possible. This is especially true if the mouse is injured or showing signs of illness, as it may require medication or specialized care.
If possible, it is always best to release the mouse back into its natural habitat once it has grown big enough and has a good chance of survival. However, some states and municipalities have laws that prohibit releasing wild animals back into the wild. In these cases, a wildlife rehabilitator can either release the mouse into a legally-approved location or find an appropriate permanent placement for it.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can give a baby mouse the best possible chance of survival. Remember, it is always important to handle these delicate creatures with care, and to seek professional assistance when needed. Doing so can help to ensure that mice and other wild animals are able to thrive in their natural environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if I find a baby mouse that is cold to the touch?
- How often should I feed a baby mouse?
- What should I feed a baby mouse?
- Can I release a baby mouse back into the wild once it is healthy?
If the mouse feels cold to the touch or has been exposed to extreme heat, it may need help. Provide it with a warm and safe environment and seek professional advice if needed.
Baby mice require frequent feedings, as often as every 2–3 hours.
Baby mice should be fed a formula designed specifically for rodents. Most pet stores carry rodent milk replacers, which are a good choice for feeding baby mice that have been orphaned or separated from their mothers.
If possible, it is always best to release the mouse back into its natural habitat once it has grown big enough and has a good chance of survival. However, some states and municipalities have laws that prohibit releasing wild animals back into the wild. In these cases, a wildlife rehabilitator can either release the mouse into a legally-approved location or find an appropriate permanent placement for it.
References
- Humane Society of the United States. (n.d.). Helping Orphaned or Injured Wild Mice. Retrieved from https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/helping-orphaned-or-injured-wild-mice
- National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association. (2019). Caring for orphaned rodents. Retrieved from https://www.nwrawildlife.org/caring-for-orphaned-rodents-2