New moms

Question
Helloo,
So, my mouse of about four months of age, may be experiencing pregnancy soon. I've been doing a fair amount of research on the subject in preparation for this, but of course I still have some questions. I've heard that sometimes new mothers who are nervous can be driven to eat their babies. I'm not sure who often this kind of thing can happen, but I definitely want to take every measure against this as I can with my mouse. I know that when she gives birth, I need to give her and the babies some space for at least a few days and provide the necessary amount of food and water, but I'm wondering if you have any suggestions for things I can do to help her feel comfortable and safe (so as to avoid any baby eating)
Thanks for reading :)

Answer
Mothers will eat the babies for a number of reasons. She may feel the babies are under threat of a predator so avoid noises (t.v) as well as cats or dogs. You are right to give the mother space in the first few days as she may think you are a predator. It is important you handle the babies are a week old so they will be tame when they are older.

Sometimes the mother feels there are too many babies for her to raise properly so she will eat a few. She will probably eat the deformed or runty ones so the rest of her babies will be stronger. If this is her first litter there's a possibility she may not know what they are or what to do with them. Some first time mums get carried away with eating the placenta and accidentally eat the baby too.

They are her babies and she will do what she feels is best. There is nothing further you can do as nature will take its course but I am glad you asked. Just provide her with a nesting box (not plastic as they will sweat and the nest will get wet) and bedding but avoid hamster fluff as it can get tangled in the babies. Make sure the cage is away from drafts and direct sunlight.

Enjoy raising the babies, its such a fun and rewarding experience. Please feel free to ask any more questions.