Father and Babies

Question
QUESTION: My baby mice are now 3 weeks and 2 days old. I've been wondering if it's okay to put the dad with the babies, or should I wait?
Thanks for your help,
Kacee

ANSWER: Dear Kacee,

Do you want a real lot of mice?  Within 10 days, the girls will be ready for Dad to mate with them.  At that point the boys will be wanting to mate with Mom, too.  They will also all be able to mate with each other.  If you separate them all at 4 weeks, you should be fine.  

In terms of Dad getting along with them, he will not hurt the babies right away because they are so little, but because they did not grow up with him, it is unlikely that he will be able to keep a son as a companion for long.  

Have fun with the cuties!

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha




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

QUESTION: I'm not looking for them to mate anymore, my male mouse (father) just seems lonely and hasn't had much play time with other mice since he's been separated from the mother and has become somewhat chunky.;) I just want to make sure he won't hurt the babies, will they really be okay?

Answer
Dear Kacee,

You can't put the father with the mom or the girls or you will have more babies.  He may get along with one or more of his boys now, but it is likely that they will fight later.  It's ann unfortunate fact about male mice.

squeaks,

Natasha