My Baby Mouse

Question
I have been keeping an orphaned mouse for a day or two and i have a couple of questions to ask.
I think it's almost two weeks old, it has fur, but hasn't opened it's eyes yet.
I have been feeding it every 1-2 hours using a syringe with cows milk or warm water with a bit of sugar and a bit of salt.
I have been massaging it, and rubbing it around it's gentiles after every meal.
I wanted to know how often they should do there business,
and if I'm doing every thing right.
Also do you have any tips?

Answer
Hi Edith,

Two weeks old sounds about right.  You only need to feed it every 1-2 hours if it wants that, if it refuses to eat, it may only need fed once every 3-4.  Just listen to it - if it is squeaking and restless feed it, if it refuses to eat, give it an hour or so and try again.  It will tell you what it wants.

Try massaging its genitals before the meal, as this may initiate an appetite.  Use a warm, moist cutip, so it simulates momma's tongue cleaning it.  It's possible at two weeks old that it may already be using the bathroom on its own - look in the cage frequently to look for tiny poops.  Remember, if you get it wet with the massaging or feeding, to dry it off completely before putting it back in the cage - babies can get cold VERY quickly.  You can also place a heating pad on it's very lowest setting (usually "warm") underneath half of its enclosure.  That way it can move around if it is too hot or cold, and there will be a very gentle warmth instead of a heat.  Don't worry if you can't feel it through the cage with your hand - baby can.

Cow's milk has lactose, which is difficult on mouse tummies.  Try instead using kitten milk replacement or puppy formula.  Both of these are gentle and nutritious.  Mix it using the instructions, or buy it in liquid form, but remember to refrigerate any leftovers and only keep them as long as the package says.  You can skip the sugar and salt, those are not the right nutrients for your orphan.  Here is a feeding guide for rats that can be adapted to mice (the biggest difference is that mice will be fully onto solids and a water bottle by about 4 weeks old, sometimes 3 for quick learners):  http://www.rmca.org/Articles/orphans.htm  You can place a water bottle in the cage (make sure it doesn't soak the bedding) and dry food for the mouse to start investigating at his own pace.  Be sure not to stop giving kitten or puppy milk until you have witnessed him actively drinking from the bottle, and not before 3 weeks old!

Let me know if you have any more questions!
-Tam