mouse reproduction, mating to babies

Question
hi natasha,
as  you know, me and my friend have had our  mouse for 23 days now! we have sold our male because he is of no further use to us, but we made sure he went to a good owner :)
Anyway, our female still hasnt given birth, but she is getting bigger, shouldnt she have given birth by now??? after 23 days (19 of them spent with the male). Is there anything wrong with her, is it normal to take this long?
And when she does give birth, will it be during the day or night? And how can we tell she has delivered?

Sorry about all the questions :}
kahla.


Answer
Hi Kahla,

The mouse will give birth about 21 days after the mating.  If the male waited a week, then you may have another 5 days to go, right?  So don't worry unless something seems wrong-- if the female seems sick.  

There is no way to know when (day or night) she will give birth.  You mustn't disturb her in the nest at all.  You will know the babies have been born by listening closely to the nest:  You will hear very distinct squeaky noises that you have not heard before.  Of course, the female will also be slimmer!  

Squeaky noises (they will not be so loud!):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t2VTlFdpss

Don't bother the babies until they are a week old.  Don't forget, always wash your hands before touching any mouse, especially the little ones.

Interesting fact: Mouse embryos aren't all in one big uterus together like people.  Each embryonic mouse has its own little uterine sac all strung out in a row like... Christmas lights, only closer together.  

Here are more videos I found on Youtube:

mating:  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtFJ5R5CGNI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cuW74E2k2s&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5shBdS8AJdo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYjoqOlSQwI&feature=related

pregnant:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95xA3O1sv7s

birth:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfKiLFxDmrs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjELO7wSz1c

day 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kTw3-kEdoQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrsKBOnDXgg&NR=1

7 days:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pR6405-B3o

9 days:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEJqUBYoXZ0&feature=related

10 days:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T819yzk2zdk&feature=related

14:  Mice can be a little jumpy when they open their eyes!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLBkoyIj-_U

17 days:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nNWYW_oGHM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MHwEQm1AfY&feature=related

Hope this answers a lot of your questions!

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha