Orphaned Mice

My first experience raising mice was a bit difficult. My female, named Emily, had 18 babies in her first litter. When they were about 6 days old, she suddenly died. I soon found myself wondering what I could do with 18 fully dependant baby mice! I first went to the pet store I work at and bought a can of Esbilac kitten formula. (I'm sure any other kitten formula would be fine). Using a small eye dropper, I was able to gently feed the babies until they were full. I did this about once every 1-2 hours. I also gave them two night feedings. This feeding schedule seemed to work for my mice, but others may require more or less milk. Few orphaned baby mice will survive if they are abandoned at 1-4 days. However, as they get older the chances for survival greatly increase. Although my babies seemed to be doing well with hand feedings, there is a much better solution for raising orphaned mice. Go to your local pet store and see if they sell "milker mice." These are lactating mice that can be used as a substitute mother. Most will act on instinct and adopt a litter, but some may reject or even eat the babies. Either way, these "milker mice" are professionals! They've done this their entire life!

A milker mouse with an adopted litter at 6 days

Things to remember:

The easiest thing to do is to try and find a "milker mouse" at a pet store. Also, if you have another female with a small litter, or babies around the same age as the orphans, you can add them to the nest. Just to be safe, rub the babies with some soiled nest material before introducing them to the new mother so they will smell familiar.

If a milker mouse is not available, purchase a can of kitten formula (cow milk will not be adequate). Feed your mice with a small plastic syringe or eye dropper until they refuse to eat anymore. You will soon be able to develop a feeding schedule that suits your mice best. I recommend at least once every few hours, and two night feedings if they are under a week old.

amysnicemice@hotmail.com