QuestionHi Tamarah - help! I've just found the mother of our 11 baby mice dead. They're 3 weeks old, and we've seen some eat solid food, but is there any way to care for so many? It's too late to get to a pet store or vet tonight, and I'm not sure if I should be adding any extra "warming material" to the cage - they're usually snuggled in the shavings we bought from the pet store. I don't think they've figured out the water yet. I have 2 young girls who will be devastated if anything happens to them. What do I do?
AnswerHi Amanda,
Luckily, at 3 weeks old they're very near to their natural weaning age anyways and have a really great chance of surviving! They should be able to keep themselves warm, provided the cage is already in a spot that's a good temperature and is away from drafts. All you have to do at this point is make sure they are kept well-fed and hydrated! Since you haven't spotted them using the bottle yet, you can keep them hydrated by moistening their food and providing them with kitten milk replacement. The KMR isn't a requirement at this age, but will help make sure they are getting all the nutrients they need. You can find KMR at your local pet shop or feed store as either a powder or a pre-mixed liquid. Either one will need to be diluted with water - just follow the instructions on the label and water it down a little more if in doubt. Don't microwave it, rather, heat it gently by placing it in a pot of warm water if you need to reheat. I personally prefer the powder, as it refrigerates for up to 3 months (but should be tossed if it ever smells "off").
You can give KMR either with a dropper (try your local pharmacy or general store), a syringe (without a needle - I get mine at a feed store), or by soaking normal foods in it. Good food ideas include an always-available "grown up" mouse food, like a seed mix or blocks, and frequent supplements of softer foods such as: stale bread soaked in water or KMR, scrambled eggs made with KMR or without milk, cheerios (can also be soaked), or fruit flavored baby food. You can give them the KMR directly either by holding them in the palm of your hand (be careful if they're hoppers!) and letting them lick it out of tiny puddles, holding them vertically and offering it to them (be careful not to get it in their noses, and never force it), or you may even convince them to explore a dropper by giving it in the cage. Eventually they will explore the water bottle sipper and will figure it out - once you've seen each of them try the bottle (usually they learn pretty quick once one figures it out) you can stop giving the moist foods. :)
Let me know if you have anymore questions! I think they'll be fine, just keep a close eye on them until they've finished weaning. Best of luck!!
-Tam