babies in box connected to tubes above the cage

Question
Hi Joanne,
I have read all your answers regarding babies, yet I still have one or two questions for you:
Last week, my family and I were totally surprised to find 5 babies in the small box that connects the tubing above the cage - I was just about to clean it out, and thankfully I notices 5 little pink ballsjust in time. We were all very excited, and have been watching their progress carefully without touching, for the past week. Since they now have fur but eyelids do not look formed, I am assuming they are about 10-12 days old. They they are now wriggling around in that tiny space, I am concerned they will fall down the tubes. How can I keep them safe without attaching my scent to them? Will the mother still hurt or neglect them at this stage?

Also, can we handle the mum at this point? She seem completely stir crazy, maybe I am projecting, but I get the feeling she needs a break!

Thanks for your advise.
Amy

Answer
Hi Amy,

If this is where she has chosen to keep her babies, then I suggest leaving them where they are. If they fall, mom will take care of them. As for touching them, leave it for another 4 or 5 days, and then you can give mom a break and clean out the cage. at the about 4-6 weeks old, they will be ready for rehoming, at about 3 weeks old, you will need to separate them into males and females or they may breed with each other.

Best of Luck and thanks for your question :)

Joanne xxx