Should baby wild mouse have a ball?

Question
QUESTION: My nefew found a wild baby house mouse whos eyes were not open yet. I have had the mouse for 4 days I think it might be a girl shes getting bigger everyday. One of her eyes has opened to so i belive shes about 10 to 14 days old. I was wondering can you give me a small list of what solids I can start showing her I am afraid of giving her anything to make her sick. Also like I said she is wild where would I take her to get her a checked to make sure shes heathly and disease free?

ANSWER: Dear Nikki,

Mice open their eyes on or around the 14th day.  She should be nursing on kitten milk replacement until she is at least 3 weeks, better, 4 weeks, old.  She will start to eat some solids soon.  Start her with cracker crumbs, bits of raw vegetables, seeds (sesame, pumpkin, sunflower), dried oatmeal.  When you can, get a mouse and rat mix at a pet store.  She'll need a wheel in her cage as well.

You should call around to find a vet who knows about small furry pets or 'exotics.'  Try a few places and ask how much actual experience they have.  Cat and dog vets may know nothing about mice.  

Best of luck and health to your new mouse!

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha

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

QUESTION: Hello Natasha

Thank you so much for all the advice!

We are going to a pet store tomorrow I am getting her a glass tank, a water bottle, a wheel, a few toys for her, and I will pick up the food. Would it be safe to get her one of the mouse balls so she can run around the living room without running away?

Also if she is 14 days why is one of her eyes not opened and why is she so small is this from the type of mouse she is(shes a wild house mouse). Or is she just growing a bit slower?  

Answer
Dear Nikki,

Some mice like the balls and some don't.  I would wait till she is bigger, though.   House mice are quite small as it is, and babies are tiny.  She may also be a runt, or just a slow grower. If she will let you, you could try taking a washcloth with a little warm water and wiping the closed eye, in case it is stuck.

have fun with her!

squeaks n giggles,

natasha