baby wild mice

Question
hi natasha we were recently emptying a big plant pot in our back garden and we saw what looked like 6 baby mice 4 of them escaped but we managed to catch two of them. They have there eyes wide open and have fur but are only tiny the mother was no where in site and we have been keeping a look out for her but nothing. one of the mice has an injured tail half is missing what should we do? and also will the others be ok that ran off? They have eatin a few seeds and a bit of fruit but dont seem to drink much cat formula? i cannot find an eyedropper anywhere any suggestions on what else to use? thanks in advance!

Answer
Dear Rebecca,

If the mice are actually eating the food, they probably don't need to be nursed.  If you do want to try to actually nurse them, you can try using a tiny paintbrush such as a watercolor brush.  One way to get them to ingest some formula is to soak a bit of bread in it and put it in the cage in a jar lid. It will spoil quickly, so take it out after about 2 hours.  It doesn't have to be available all the time. If you are using the KMR powder, you can also make a thicker paste and see if they will try to eat that. Make water available in a tiny bottle cap so they can't fall in and drown, and if they let you handle them, point it out to them occasionally.

There's nothing you can do about the tail.  If there is no infection it will heal on its own. I'm not a vet but I can't recommend antibiotics this young.  If the mouse is a little wobbly now, it will soon get used to it.  

I wish I could tell you the others will be fine but we have no way of knowing.  Maybe their mom found them and they have a new nest now.  

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha