mother neglects 2 week old mice

Question
My mouse gave birth 2 1/2 weeks ago, but the babies are small and still not weened. Their eyes are (partially) open and they have fur. It seems that sometime overnight she abandoned them. I found them in time, got them in front of a heater but couldn't get the food they needed (shops closed, no car). In desperation I put the mother in the small box they were in and she fed them. However I'm not sure she's going to stimulate them to poo. At that age, are they able to do it themselves, or should I be trying to do that too?

Answer
Dear Jai,

It sounds like your mother mouse is very confused.  If she returns to spending time in the nest, she will probably take care of their other needs.  I wouldn't worry about stimulating them.  But if it gets to the point where you have to nurse them yourself (use KMR), you should make sure they are defecating.  Since they do not leave the nest yet at 2 weeks, the mother is still responsible for their waste.  The way to do this is to gently rub their abdomens with a Q-tip.  

Best of luck to the babies.

squeaks,

Natasha