mouse labor and raising babies

Question
I think my mouse is in labor. How long can it last?

Answer
Dear Tiffany,

By the time you read this, she's already done.  You don't have to worry about mouse labor much.  Mice pretty much know what to do, and usually it happens quick enough that all you know is it went from fat mouse to squeaky nest. Never disturb a mouse in labor, of course.  

When the babies have been born, do not disturb the nest for the first week (only if it is easy to do so without disruption, you may peek quickly just to see the little things!  They are funny-looking pink wiggly blobs).  You may hold the mom when she comes out to run in the wheel or if she makes it easy to pick her up, and then only for a few minutes.  She has a tough job to do.  If she gets upset she may try to move them out of the nest; this is dangerous.  If it happens, gently return the babies to the nest and return her to it as well.

After a week, the babies will have fur.  With someone else helping, begin to gently hold them (warm hands!) once or twice a day for perhaps 5 minutes.  You may have a tough time getting them out because she may disapprove!  When she is on the wheel, take it out with her in it (I hope it is a stand-alone; otherwise you have to scoop her out of it) and let someone watch her while you take out the handful of pups.  Let them get used to your smell (hold both your hands closed and very gently breathe into them).  Make sure they don't jump and hold them over the bed, not the floor.  

At two weeks they will begin to open their eyes and go nuts!  The whole world suddenly becomes a terrifying place.  They will be afraid of you.  They still need to be held once a day for at least five minutes to get tame. This phase is often called the 'flea' stage, or I call it the 'popcorn' stage.  They weigh almost nothing and have strong hind legs, so they can jump up to two feet in the air!  To get them out, try opening the nest and scooping them out before they have a chance to run.  If you need to catch them (don't chase them around the cage if you can help it), you may grab the base of the tail (near the butt) and then immediately place the mouse on the palm of the other hand, keeping a gentle hold on the tail until the baby is calm enough not to jump.  As soon as I get them out I wrap them in the bottom of my T-shirt (pulling it up towards my face) until they are calmer.  Then I let them out carefully one by one into my gently closed hand.  When they are calm in my hand I hold them for another minute or two, then put them back.  

Be prepared at any stage for the babies or mom (if you upset her) to nip you.  Don't throw them up in the air!  Most likely it will not break the skin and not really hurt, just surprise you.  If the skin is ever broken (a real bite), wash it thoroughly with hydrogen peroxide or antibiotic and watch carefully for signs of infection.  You might want to let your doctor know but it will probably be fine.  If a mouse bites you it means she is terrified, hurt, startled, or defending her nest.  Try not to repeat the mistake, but if a mouse bites several times, you may need to change your relationship with her.

At 3 to 3 1/2 weeks they will eat real food (mouse seed) and a week later will begin to become sexually mature.  At 4 1/2 weeks separate the girls from the boys (girls stay with mom) so you don't have any more unexpected pregnancies.  The boys may begin to fight after a while, so have a contingency plan for them!  You pet store or vet may be able to suggest a way to give some away to happy homes so you do not end up with too many mice. Do keep at least two girl babies for mom to have as friends.  It's a pity to keep a single mouse because they need each other.  

Let me know how things progress and if you have any more questions!

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha