One orphan is smaller

Question
QUESTION: We found a baby field mouse in the garage and decided to care for it since it's eyes weren't open and very young. A few hours later another baby appeared in same spot, this one wasnt alive. Come to find out the mother made a nest in the rafters of our morton building. How 2 of these survived I will never know. I do know that i have been doing my best at nursing them for 3 days now. I am not sure what to do while I am at work. I thought they were only a week old but this morning one had an eye opened. I tried feeding every 2 hours but they wont eat that often and don't want to force them. Any suggestion on how often they absolutely have to eat would be helpful. And when i can try something other than kmr.

ANSWER: Hi,

They definitely need to nurse every two hours- really, really around the clock (they go to work with you). You have to insist. Their mom nurses them every 30 minutes. Try diluting the KMR by half. I don't know what method you are using, but try a *clean, new* watercolor paintbrush.

Don't forget to massage their tiny abdomens/genital area after each feeding, unless they are pooping on their own. They can get blood poisoning if they don't eliminate.

If their eyes are opening they are two weeks old. This is lucky, because they have a far better chance of survival than if they were younger. They will actually be interested in real food in a week. In a few days, dilute the KMR less and less, and you can start introducing a tiny bit of cream of wheat into it. A little later get them to lick it off of your hand; try graduating to a little bowl with it in it; then put a little bread in the bowl to soak it up, then put crackers and apple in the cage to see what they do.. You will have to figure out the timing of this. They should be fully weaned by 3 1/2 weeks. Then you should feed them with the usual mouse seed mix. They also need a wheel immediately after they are running around!

You will just have to soldier on, even though it is immensely inconvenient, if you want them to survive. They will become awesome, loyal pets, and they live longer than house mice (and bred mice).

Best of luck,

squeaks

Natasha



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

QUESTION: Does diluting the KMR help them the wean or just to eat better? We moved them into a Kritter Keeper this evening. How long do I need to help them go potty? I have been doing it every time they eat but are starting to go on their own. Also, what kind of bedding do you recommend? And when do they need a wheel? Thanks again!

ANSWER: Hi Jenna,

Diluting the KMR was to see if they would take it better it that way, and to make sure they get enough liquid in them. It's very easy for these little orphans to get dehydrated.

You help them go potty till they start regularly  leaving little poops in the nest.

The most common beddings are aspen litter--- not cedar or pine-- or some kind of paper litter such as Carefresh. Either is fine. Another product, eco Litter, is great for mice to tunnel in.

They will probably explore a wheel at 2 1/2 to 3 weeks! It is a natural instinct when they find it. You can start with any size; they will be better at the small, mouse-sized ones now, but may like the bigger, hamster-sized ones later.

The very best of luck.

Squeaks

Natasha

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

QUESTION: I just wanted to update you. They both are eating the mixture soaked wirh bread very good and are now going potty on their own. They havent eaten much mice food and dont seem to be interested in the water bottle yet. One of them is about half the size of the other and looks scruffy. Hes not as active as the other. Any tips? Thanks

Answer
Dear Jenna.

There is often simply a runt in a litter. Sometimes momma mouse just lets it die. But if you give it extra attention it may thrive. Try to get some real calories into it. Try Ensure. Try a full fat flavored yogurt.

To get them interested in the water bottle, put a tiny dab of butter on the tip of it. When they go to lick the butter, they will get water, and figure it out. Once they are very healthy and eating mouse seeds, and you think they have probably figured it out, to make sure, take their water dish out for 4-6 hours and see what happens when you put it back in. Another way is to take out the dish but leave in some very moist fruit such as cucumber. But don't try this until they are very healthy.

Congratulations for keeping them healthy so far!

squeaks,

Natasha