Found Mouse with broken leg

Question
Dear Expert - I found a mouse with a broken leg today hiding behind a piece of furniture. As we have two cats, there is a good chance he (or she, can't tell which) is a cat escapee. He is moving in a jerky fashion, and is dragging one leg behind him. When accidentally flipped on his back, he can not right himself. The other leg seems to work, as do the front two legs. My question is, what should I do with him? I've put him in a box with some food (one almond, a piece of pear, some rice and black beans, and a piece of orange jello (the jello for its water content, I don't have a rodent water bottle, and I'm worried he would spill more water then drink?) and put him in a dark spot. But what more can I do? And if he somehow, miracle of miracles, survives, what then?
Thank you for your help,
Ambershawn

Answer
Hi,

The only way the mouse has a chance is if he stays with you until his leg is completely healed.  You will need to get him a small cage with a lid for his convalescence.  He can either eat various crackers and seeds from your cupboard or a mouse mix from a pet store.  The jello is a cute idea.  He can also drink water out of a soda cap if changed twice a day, and eat wet vegetables such as carrots, celery, and cucumbers.

Once he has healed, you will have to decide if he will be happy as a kept mouse.  Certainly his life will be shorter in the wild, but if he hates being inside-- tries constantly to escape and won't let you handle him-- then the best thing to do is let him out into a wooded or meadow area over 1 1/2 miles from your home, with a supply of food and if possible, a little box to live in.  If he seems happy and you keep him, you will need to get a full  mouse set-up including a larger cage and a wheel.  

I wish little mousie a speedy recovery!

squeaks,

Natasha