Shaking baby wild mouse

Question
Hi Natasha...

We just adopted an orphaned wild mouse. I'm guessing it is about 12 days old or so, it's eyes aren't quite opened. I've read and been feeding it kitten milk and pedialite. It's appetite isn't that great but today it seems a bit lethargic and is jittery. Very unstable almost like it's drunk. Is this normal?  I'm kind of at a loss as to what to do. I hate to see it suffer.

thanks for your help.

Answer
Dear Maryanne,

It sounds like you have read up on how to take care of a baby wild mouse; the following post of mine offers some help as well:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Mice-3824/2008/8/Orphaned-Wild-Mouse.htm

Make sure you are feeding it often enough (every 2-3 hours), massaging its tummy afterwards, and keeping it warm.  

Although many people do succeed in raising wild babies from infancy, often it is not possible.  Sometimes the best of care isn't enough to save the little tykes.  A vet may be able to tell you what is wrong with the mouse from the symptoms, or it may just be something we humans can't take care of.  Keep giving it the best care possible and don't give up hope, but don't blame yourself if the mouse doesn't survive.

I wish the mouse the very best.  May it grow big and strong.  

sympathetic squeaks,

Natasha