help with orphaned baby mouse

Question

baby koda   QUESTION: My room mate got a mouse to feed to his snake but left home without feeding it. I noticed a couple hours later the paper bag the mouse came in so I looked in to make sure it was still there because they can eat through the bag. What I saw broke my heart. It was a baby mouse whos eye weren't yet opened. So I took the mouse to try and save it. I have been taking care of him for almost a week and he seems to be doing great. My only prob is he isn't pooping even when I stimulate him. I'm hoping this means he is going on his own. His belly is kinda big but soft. He recently started on his own eating crackers and hamster/mice food. I still give him a formula and baby cereal mixture ever 4hrs or so(watered down). My question is, is it normal for him be weeened before his eyes are even open and how can I be sure he is pooping? He does pee a lot when I stimulate him though. I've grown quite fond of this lil guy and want to be sure I'm doing everything I can to insure his survival.

ANSWER: Hi Saphire,

They absolutely can start to explore solid foods that early, but he does still need your feedings of kitten or puppy replacement formula anyways to keep him hydrated.  Sometimes their first poos after being switched to formula are abnormal, as their systems adapt to being on something different and artificial.  If you've had him about a week, his eyes should be opening very soon, and you may notice if you look in the bedding, or whatever you have him on, tiny pellets or urine spots that can signal he is going on his own.  Gently stroking either side of his belly after a feeding, as he's going to sleep, can help his digestive system keep doing its thing and help keep him from being uncomfortable after a big meal.

He won't be weaned until you've seen him drink from a water bottle - hydration is key, and this is frequently the last thing mice learn how to do.  Around 3-4 weeks old he should be up and about, alert, and exploring - once he figures out how to drink on his own you can consider him weaned and stop bottle feeding him.

You're doing a terrific job, but do keep in mind that raising pups by hand is very hard work, and reptile food is not always bred for their health.  He might be a struggle, but it sounds like you are doing everything just right, and it's a really great sign that he's gotten through a whole week with your help so far!  Not much further to go!

Good luck to the little guy and thank you so much for taking care of him.  Let me know if I can help with anything else!
-Tam

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much for your response! He now has his eyes open and is not interested at all in the baby formula or baby cereal. He is eating the mouse food I got but the water bottle I have is to big for him I think. I've tried giving him water and pedialite with the dropper I was using to feed him his formula but he isn't interested in that either. So I was wondering if you had any other ideas on how to get him to drink water?? I have used stale bread soaked with formula and water and he like it sometimes and other times he isn't interested. He just seems too advanced for his age. His is doing everything on his own. He runs around and plays and eats and doesn't seem to need me anymore :( lol. Is it normal that he doesn't want the replacement formula anymore? He doesn't seem to be dehydrated at all. Thank you again!

Answer
It's great to keep trying with the bread, and you can also just soak it in plain water as well.  Even if he doesn't eat it every time, he's still getting that moisture to keep him from getting dehydrated, and that's terrific.  Another moisture-filled option is scrambled eggs made with formula or water (instead of cow's milk), and you can soak cheerios as well for a yummy, hydrating treat.

It sounds like he's doing wonderfully, so I wouldn't worry!  He'll get that bottle figured out eventually, and be good to go.  :)

-Tam