Mouse food?

Question
QUESTION: I have two white mice in a cage, one is male and one is female. They seem to get along well. They've been in the cage together for over a month. I assumed she would have gotten pregnant right away but she never has. I hope this isn't a stupid question but is there a reason why she won't get pregnant? I'm worried she might be sick or something.

ANSWER: Dear Adrian,

Mice can have some of the same problems as people can; it's possible that one of the two is unable to produce offspring.  However, they may surprise you; give them a little more time.  If you get impatient to have babies, you could take her out and observe her for two weeks and if she isn't pregnant, put a new female in with the male.  This way if the problem is the female, the second girl will have babies; and in any case your girl will be happier with a friend once you stop breeding and separate the sexes.  The extra female can help raise the babies.

Best of luck!

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks. One more thing, I have been feeding the mice a "universal mix" that I buy at pet stores or retail stores, but the mice don't eat most of it. I feel like Im wasting food. They always leave behind the same pieces. Is there a better mix or diet you recommend so they'll eat everything?

Answer
Dear Adrian,

There are specific rat and mouse mixes which are better for mice than something meant for gerbils or hamsters.  Also, mice do have their favorite seeds.   I tend to leave the food in a little longer to make them eat what they have left over, but then you have to make sure you feed them often enough so they don't run out.  While we are on mixes, I recommend taking peanuts out.  They aren't very good for mice even though they appear in some of these mixes.  Last, there are rat and mouse block diets.  The disadvantage is they are boring, but you can spice up their diet with fresh vegetables and crackers.

Have fun with your mice!

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha