Mother mouse eats babies

Question
Hi,

       My mouse Bonie had six little pinkies last night. I then put the dad in another cage but they seemed confused and kept looking for each other. So I put him back. Then about 3 hours maybe 4 2 babies were missing and I caught her with half of one hanging out of her mouth. She now has 4 left. Im not sure if this is her first litter because she was Fat like she was before she had these babies about a month and a half ago  and all of a sudden got skinny. I didn't find any pinkies in the cage then. But anyways I removed the male mouse. I don't know what to do. Is this normal? What if she eats more of them? I read she might not have enough protein in her diet so I gave her cheese and bacon bits so that she wouldn't eat them for protein. What do I do? PLEASE HELP ASAP!!!!!!!!! I don't want to lose these babies!!!!!!!

Answer
Dear Jordan,

What a horrible situation.  I'm so sorry.

Either your mouse is very easily confused or there is something wrong with her babies (they will kill and eat unhealthy babies).  One way or the other it's bad genetics.  I would definitely not mate this mouse again.  

Right now I suggest doing as little as possible.  If the male is out now, leave him out; if he's in, leave him in.  Unfortunately, anything you do could stress Mom out even more, even just opening the cage to see what is going on.  She is least likely to be confused if she is not disturbed.  It's going to be hard not to check, but let nature take its course for at least a day.  

Best of luck to all the mice.  

squeaks,

Natasha