Mouse comes pregnant from store

Question
QUESTION: Hi
I just got two new pet mice last week from a small pet store in Charlotte. I am just noticing however that one of them is pregnant. I read online that if you can see the mouse's nipples clearly there is a 90% chance she is pregnant, and I can see the nipples clearly.
I had two other mice to start with, so now I have four, and can't have like 12 mice! I don't know what to do with the pregnant female now and her babies when they are born. I don't want them to go as snake food! Please let me know of any ideas you have about what to do with the new babies and the pregnant mother.
Kate

ANSWER: Dear Kate,

Raising mouse babies is indeed a chore.  I strongly suggest you bring the pregnant mouse back to the pet store right away.  It's their mistake.  

If they won't take her-- and you should insist-- maybe they will promise to take the babies when they are old enough.    Write me back and we'll talk about dealing with mouse babies.

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha

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

QUESTION: Hey Natasha,
The pet store actually went out of business so there is no way for me to take them back. I've decided to raise the litter then eventually adopt them out. I've found homes for them already I think. I was just wondering though when it would be safe to introduce my other mice to the new babies and back in with the mother.

Thank you!

Kate

Answer
Dear Kate,

Wait until the babies are 3 weeks old, so the mom doesn't fear for their safety and get upset.

Peruse my archives (try a search with 'Natasha, mouse' plus search terms) for more info on raising babies and please feel free to write back with more questions.

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha