I heard some squeaks in the mouse tank and went to investigate. I took the igloo out and looked in there. Nothing. The mice just ran out, lol. Then I saw the bedding move. One was under several inches of bedding. I dug in there gently to see if it was okay not sure how deep they could be and breathe okay.
Imagine my surprise when I saw this:
That's momma in the lower right. The white is her back.
I was so startled because they were supposed to have their pups weeks ago and I had come to the depressing conclusion that they probably ate them since I never saw any signs of birth.
I ran for camera and took 2 photos and covered it back up. I hope Momma don't eat them because I messed with nest. :( I had no idea they had any or I'd have left it all alone. I covered them back up and placed the igloo back over the area.
According to this site they are maybe a day or so old.
I'll be leaving the nest alone, so there will be no photos of their growth, sadly. Their being left alone so they can live is far more important than growth photos. I will show these photos to Gideon who will be excited we have babies.
As for how many? I don't know. I think I see at least 6 little bodies there. Looks like maybe more. There could be more under these ones we see. I have no idea I didn't leave them uncovered long enough to see.
Close up of a pup's paw. (Cropped from the above photo)
For those that might want to lecture me about disturbing the nest - please don't. I'm FULLY aware it's not to be disturbed, however that only applies if you KNOW a nest is there in the first place, which I had no idea of last night. Otherwise I'd have left the buried mouse alone.
All I can do is hope that she's not stressed and doesn't harm them.
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Comments: 37
I don't know what veggies mice like, but cucumbers were great for nursing hamsters, because of the nutrients, and the juice in it, so the mom wouldn't get dehydrated. I used the lid of a jar to place a few slices cut into chunks by her, so she didn't have to climb in an out of a bowl.
I saw one lone mouse out this morning after the others were asleep and I presume that might have been her eating. Only once the others were asleep and safely away from the babies did she come out. She didn't run or abandon them. She stayed close and I think that's a good sign.
I'll grab some cukes. I'm looking now to see if they eat them. I know they like carrots, bananas and such but not sure on those. I've seen the oats disappearing at an alarming rate lately and have increased their portions as a result. I bet she's hoarding the oats in the nest somewhere, lol.
Thanks so much for posting this to
my group
basically you need to up the protein for a nursing mom so if you dont have lab blocks add a few pieces of a good quality dog food. carrots are one of the best veggies to give to mice and never give them lettuce.
want some real fun with them get a loaf of Italian bead from the store bakery cute and end off (leave it about 6 to 8 inches and use the rest)and let it dry out of the bag over night and then put it in the cage they will have a ball chewing holes in it and going inside.
a cool book you may want to get is Mice a complete pet owners manual can be found on amazon its a pretty good book for the price I have it for mice, hamsters and rats and have always found the info useful
Aww that does sound fun with the bag!
I'll grab that book I have some Amazon GCs. THANK YOU. Momma mouse thanks you too.
Oh, I added more tissue to the cage and her and another mouse (maybe another female helper?) dragged it into the igloo.