Weaning mouse

Question
I have a young (wild) mouse that my cat brought me that I have raised on kitten milk.  He was probably about 8-10 days old when I got him; I have had him for about 4 weeks.  He still prefers kitten milk, and I can't seem to interest him in solid foods other than pecan bits and lettuce.  Will he quit taking the kitten milk on his own, or should I start giving him less?  What foods do you suggest to start him eating better?  Also, he is very tame now, but I would prefer to release him back into the woods.  I don't think it's fair to keep him in a cage.  Will he be able to adjust and take care of himself instinctively?  Thank you for your help!

Answer
Congratulations on raising him! I know it can be difficult to raise wild mice but fortunately you got him at about the right age. Any younger and he may not have survived.

He really should be eating a variety of solids to make sure he gets all the right vitamins. Try giving him mouse food that can be found at pet stores. Other than that you can include crusty bread, fromage frais, nuts, seeds, fresh fruit and vegetables (not spicy), currents, dog biscuits, cereals, pasta, rice, boiled potatoes, peanut butter and treats bought at pet stores.

It is important you get him to eat solid food before you release him back into the wild. Try to handle him as little as possible from now on because a tame mouse won't last long in the wild. You can put things like hay, straw, soil and twigs into his cage to get him familiar to the outdoors. Just make sure they haven't been sprayed with chemicals. When you decide the time is right (ideally asap) put the cage in a suitable area (at least 2 miles from your home if he's a house mouse) and make sure there are a few ways for him to get in and out. Leave the cage with food, water and bedding so he can return to it until he has adapted.

I hope it goes well. Please feel free to ask any more questions.