Baby Mice

Question
i mouse has gave birth to 9 babie's 4 days ago. They all seem ok, although when the nest was open and i could have a peek in there, one had been half eaten, and it was pretty shocking. Why do u think she done this? And when can i start to handle them, my mouse isnt tammed, she runs away when i put my hand in the cage so im scared she might feel threatened if i start to touch the babies at a young age. Vicki xxx

Answer
Thanks for asking.

It is quite a shock to see a rodent with half eaten babies. Unfortunately a lot of animals including cats do this, too. It is to weed out a sick or dead baby. You can take it from the nest and toss it or allow her to finish her instinct. More than likely the baby was dead or sick and this is normal.

As far as touching the babies or her most would suggest that when they have fur then you can handle them. In my experience I have handled them just 2-3 days after they were born to clean the cage, then I made her a new nest and placed the babies back in. She is not going to eat them or abandon them,like birds, because you touch them. Just be careful because they have paper like skin right now.

To make her a nest after you clean the cage just place some shredded paper, tissue paper, towel, something like that in a bowl or box and place the babies inside. You just need to remember not to make it too deep for her to get in/out with ease.

Also as far as mom goes this is all dependent on her personality. If she was really sweet and gentle to begin with she should be fine. If the baby squeaks then she may run to them but shouldn't bite. Now if she was skittish and shy to begin with then she may bite in fear. You need to make this judgment on your own.

Hope everything works out. Remember rats can get pregnant right after giving birth if there is a male around and she will have another liter before the other is even done feeding.