Newborn Fieldmice abandoned

Question
I have four FM living in a large cage,when I went to clean out the litter to replace with fresh, the mother who I did not know was pregnant dropped one mouse and then I thought escaped. So I waited and watched, but this little creature just was left on top of the litter alone for a couple of hours. It slowly squirmed it way into the litter for warmth, and now I am feeding it. About an hour ago another infant appeared, don't they keep them in a nest and feed them, is this normal, can I put the other back, should I help tnis one so it doesnt freeze? Help.

Answer
Dear Terri,

I don't know how tame your mice are. My usual method of dealing with a baby out of the nest is to continue to put it back in. Often the mother will take it back in. If they are quite wild they might not like your scent on the babies. In that case rub your hands in their dirty litter before you handle the baby.

A mother mouse will also abandon a baby if she thinks it is sick or she feels it won't survive anyway. She may feel unsafe due to noise or disturbance.

If she really wont take them back you have quite a job on your hands if you want to save them. I assume you have researched how to do so; there are many answers on this site.

Best of luck.

squeaks,

Natasha