field mice orphans

Question
I have 2 field mice orphans that I have been trying to save. They seem to be doing ok with what I am feeding them. My question is when do you think it is safe to set them free outside on there own ? I am guessing they are around 2+ weeks old, eyes are open, and they are muching on food, but still taking kitten milk via syringe, yet I have seen one drink a little water off a tuperware lid. I have no intentions of keeping them and do not want them to get to dependent on me. Any advice will be helpful.
Thank you

Answer
Hi Diane,

The water is the key - once they are regularly hydrating themselves, they should be fine to set free.   By that point they will be active, totally mobile, and eating regularly.  This is usually between 3 and 4 weeks old, but all pups are a little different!  I would wait a day or two to be sure they are consistently drinking, and when you are sure, you can let them go somewhere far from your house and with a little cover, like bushes, to protect from bird predators.  Then they can take it from there!

Thank you for rescuing the little guys, and please let me know if you have any other questions,

-Tam