Best Way to Give a Wild House Mouse Water

Carozy one time cared for three babe mice and likes to share her experiences with animals.

Get advice on what to practise if you lot find infant mice and want to take care of them.

Alexas_Fotos, CC0, via Unsplash

How I Found Myself Taking Care of Three Baby Mice

I once worked for a great company called Novedge that sells computer graphic and CAD software online. One day, my boss took our Italian intern and me to a secluded embankment so that the intern could enjoy the Pacific Ocean and so I could take a intermission from work.

We had a great time frolicking around and investigating the beach. There was a lot to come across and do. At that place were sometime seashells to scrutinize (they were chiseled into the cliff in a cave), bristling cold h2o to run into and out of, the squawk of gulls overhead, the salty air and bitter sand, and cute views of ocean and clouds and lord's day. The hours whiled abroad, and eventually we were leaving happy and wearied.

At that place were three blind mice sprawled helplessly on the sand.

What Would Nosotros Practice With the Mice?

The gulls threatened. The cold air was rushing in. In that location was no nest in sight—no mother, no food. These little guys were helpless on a vast beach, weary and cold, blind and vulnerable. If they did not get bird food, they would merely die from exposure. Where did they come up from? The nearly we could tell was they might've fallen from holes in the cliff.

A soft spot in my centre tugged.

"Let'due south go," said the others. They wanted to leave and thought getting involved with helping the mice wasn't worthy of much thought.

I made a sudden and decisive decision. "I'm taking these guys home," I said.

That decision having been made, I fit all iii little guys into my coat pocket. They were small, and their optics were sealed close. They were babies.

My coworker and boss were surprised, to say the least, simply they humored me. I had no thought what I was going to practice or what I was getting myself into, but I had committed. I wanted these footling guys to take a improve chance at life than certain destruction.

Researching Mouse Care

Equally before long equally I got home, I did a Google cram session. What should I feed the mice? How should I intendance for them? Was this safe?

I worried almost Hantavirus. I was worried they would die. I did the research, and hither is what I found out.

• Precautions
• Feeding
• Housing
• Toys
• Changes to Feeding as the Mice Age

A pippette helped me feed the baby mice.

Precautions You Should Take

The mice I would at present care for were baby mice. They were days old, and their eyes had all the same to open. The chance of Hantavirus, a very unsafe virus that could exist caught from wild mice, was likely small because of my location, although I did not rule that out and took precautions by washing my hands after handling them and avoiding getting them nearly my face.

Read More From Pethelpful

Feeding: What Do Baby Mice Eat?

The all-time thing to feed them at this early on stage, I found out, is human baby soy formula. This formula is closest to the right residual of protein and other nutrients that their bodies demand.

From Eyedropper to Pipette

At outset, I fed them using an eyedropper. The drops of formula were too large for their little mouths, and they would sneeze and cough when the liquid went down the wrong piping. So I would distill a little pool of formula on my hand, and they would lap it up. This was a little messy, but information technology worked.

I worried they were not getting enough formula this way. I invested in some pipettes, which are very small-scale plastic tubes with bubbles at the end. Yous tin depict upwards a petty bit of liquid and then dribble information technology in tiny droplets. This worked a little amend for getting the mice more quantity of formula, although I had to exist very careful with one of them considering even the tiny pipette tube was also big!

Feeding Schedule

That showtime night I had to wake up every two hours to feed the mice. Being very passionate about saving them, I didn't mind. Information technology encouraged me that soon after they had the formula, they became much more active. At the first feedings, the way they went after the formula made me happy that I had rescued them, instead of leaving their survival to the harsh circumstances of the beach where I'd found them.

For quite a few days I fed them every few hours. They got plumper and more than active. They looked similar healthy blind mice. Before I knew it, I was able to resume a regular sleep schedule. Overall, the time that the interruption in my sleep cycle lasted was so brusk, I hardly remember information technology now.

Three mice in their travel carrier.

carozy

Housing: From Temporary Home to Habitat

When I get-go got the mice, I simply put them in a shoe box. It was all I could find. I included some tissue paper to keep them warm.

I got all into taking care of them, though. That'south my nature. I went to the pet store and invested in a carrying cage for them that was clear plastic with ventilation on top. I soon invested in a 10-gallon mouse aquarium, which included a vented top and a water bottle. I bought soft hamster padding for them and some toys and a wooden bedding which acted as a footling nest for them.

Beware of the Incorrect Bedding: Dealing With Mice Mites

Later, I would learn not to purchase that type of wooden nest. There could exist mice mites in the woods, and that'southward what happened. Luckily these mites do not transfer to humans, only they cause the mice hell. My mice hid from me and scratched so much their fur was missing in spots. I became very concerned and researched what I could do to help the mice.

I got rid of the wooden nest and instead bought a little plastic home for them. I treated them all every day with a mite killer that was made for dogs and cats until the mice stopped scratching themselves. I couldn't detect a mite killer for rats or mice, but the dog/true cat mite killer worked. I had to put a bit on my finger and rub information technology into their fur. I worried because they would start to lick it off, but it was the best I could do to kill those mites.

I also cleaned out their cage bedding regularly and disinfected their cage with a mixture of mostly h2o and bleach. Before long the mite trouble was a affair of the by.

Toys: Wheels and Chew Blocks

Another affair I invested in were mouse wheels. The mice loved them. Wild mice run around 7 miles or and then every day and so not purchasing a little mouse wheel for them would have been a bit roughshod in my mind. Since I had 3 mice, I bought two mouse wheels for them to share. I besides put items for the mice to climb up in their cage and empty toilet newspaper rolls for the mice to crawl into and through.

Considering mice need to chew to keep their teeth in good shape, I included little wood blocks that I purchased at the pet shop. These might have been treated with something, I think, and didn't pose the threat of harboring any mice mites breeding in them. As the mice grew and were able to consume existent food, I also included carrots in their food bowl so they could nibble on those too.

Changes to Feeding as the Mice Age

One time the mice's optics opened and they were able to eat regular mouse food, I decided to go the healthy route with them. During the transition menstruum, I made sure the homo babe soy formula was as well bachelor to them, but I provided what became their regular diet. I fed them vegetables, fruits, seeds, and greens in a little basin in their mouse aquarium.

I tried to go along their diet varied and included such things as (uncooked) kale, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, chickpeas, apples, corn, (raw uncooked) sweet potato, (cooked) brown rice, sunflower seeds, and a bird seed mix. There is rodent food y'all can purchase at pet stores, merely I didn't bother as I'd read it's better for them to eat fresh real food. Since I am a vegan and eat a lot of fresh veggies, grains, and starches myself, it was like shooting fish in a barrel for me to share my food with the mice.

What Happened as My Mice Grew Bigger

My mice were a pleasance to lookout. I delighted in them. Allow me tell yous, if yous haven't seen a baby mouse yawn, you oasis't lived. I found them more entertaining than boob tube. I enjoyed caring for them and learned every bit much every bit I could during my time with them.

However, fifty-fifty though I loved the mice I cared for, I am not sure I would call them ideal pets. For one thing, they require a lot of care, as I've described above. They are also small, so you must have a lot of precautions, or yous may end upwards with a lost mouse in your house which could end upwardly meaning a mouse problem! 1 or ii mice in a cage are fine, but I'm sure you don't want your habitation run over with mice. That was the other trouble which led to some changes in the picayune mice arrangement I had going.

The Mice Effort to Breed

I had 3 blind baby mice to first with, and I named them Greyness Guy, Thimble, and Minnette. Gray Guy was the "alpha" male—larger than Thimble (the other male) and of a gregarious, spirited nature. Thimble was slender and more of a regular mouse guy. Minnette was her own blithesome personality, as feisty and strong-willed every bit a little female mouse is want to exist. Aye, all three niggling mice had their own dissever personalities, and that made caring for them an enjoyable experience.

However, in that location came the day—I knew information technology would happen—when the "birds and the bees" came to visit my mice. They were nonetheless and so young, merely I saw it happen—Gray Guy attempted to mountain Minnette!

Oh dear. Taking intendance of three mice was an exhilarating feel, a labor of dear. Simply in that location was no manner I was going to take to care of more 3.

Minnette during a feeding.

Why I Decided to Release Them Back Into the Wild

No sooner had I gotten used to the mice's nocturnal hours, running on their little wheels and gallivanting virtually their aquarium, and the endless cleaning regime, than I knew I had to practice something quick before I concluded up with a little significant Minnette mouse. I rapidly purchased another whole mouse aquarium for Minnette alone, and separated her from the boy mice. I included all these attractive mice toys and tried to make the habitat as lovely for her as her first home.

Simply I quickly saw something was incorrect. Minnette hated me. She hid in her little plastic home and actually hissed at me! She didn't like being lonely. After some quick research, I realized the problem. Mice are social creatures and used to living with other mice. They develop petty mice relationships that are just as dear to their little hearts equally my friendships and loves are to me. Simply equally it would be brutal to force another person to live in isolation, it was roughshod of me to put an end to Minnette's natural inclinations.

I felt very bad for interrupting Minnette's social life and soon also realized, sadly, that introducing a niggling "domestic" female friend mouse from the pet store to stay with her would not exist the best idea either. Just every bit cats from different litters tin live in the same home but never become friendly, so as well with mice.

This, forth with all the work required to care for the mice—the regular cage cleanings, the worry about mice mites and Hantavirus, the feeling that these wild mice deserved to explore the wider globe—led me to the decision to release them into the wild.

Making a Hard Choice

As they did not have a mouse mother to help them learn the ropes I felt desperately about releasing them, but I as well felt information technology would be unfair to them to keep them caged. It was a decision I struggled with but which I finally decided would be the all-time thing for them and for me. They required and so much work to take intendance of, and I was nevertheless worried about Hantavirus. It is too bad there is such a affair equally Hantavirus. I am lucky I never got sick because of the mice.

To this mean solar day, I cannot be sure that they did not have information technology because of my location out of the Hantavirus hotspots or if I was simply lucky. I think if I lived in an expanse where Hantavirus is more common in wild mice, I wouldn't take a chance taking care of them in the style that I did.

The Solar day of the Release

I took them to the wild section of a park nearby and spread all the birdseed and food around quite an area. I tipped over the cage to release Minnette first. She ran away with a skip in her step! Skilful riddance to me, I guess. Thimble and Gray Guy were scared. I coaxed them out and somewhen, Thimble began exploring.

Grey Guy was in so many ways terrified. I expected him to be the brave one. I had non played much with these mice in my hands out of fear for the Hantavirus. I pet him with a finger and nosotros crouched looking at each other. It really broke my heart to practise this to him, only I didn't want him to lead a life lonely in a cage and never have the opportunity to mate or explore the world. For a very long time we were frozen and then I stood and went away. I came back to cheque later and all the mice were gone. It made me cry simply I felt I did the best matter.

What I Learned: Life Is Precious

I am glad I saved the mice. I learned a lot. I recollect the affair that stays with me the most is how much life in that location was in them, despite their small size. They did so many cute and adorable things that information technology made me appreciate how precious life is. Fifty-fifty a tiny little brute wants to clean its face, roll upwards to sleep, or play with others. Taking care of the little mice was a wondrous feel.

This article is accurate and truthful to the best of the author's cognition. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinarian medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

© 2012 carozy

Ana Maria Orantes from Miami Florida on September 03, 2020:

Hello miss Carozy. I similar your article. You have cute feelings for pets. I similar how you safe the little fauna. You are nice.

Ana Maria Orantes from Miami Florida on September 03, 2020:

Thank yous for your communication. Information technology is very kind from your part. Have a skilful night.

carozy (author) from San Francisco on August xx, 2020:

Sorry for the ho-hum reply. I believe I found mite treatment in a pet store that was for a dissimilar kind of pet. I can't remember now, I wrote this fifteen+ years agone. Run into what you lot can find, if you can find mite treatment for hamsters, I'd use that. If only for pet cats, try that, but only small amounts. I too got rid of All wood in their cage and cleaned out the cage with disinfectant (Pet Scout is condom for pets so that might exist a adept pick). Good luck!

carozy (writer) from San Francisco on Baronial 20, 2020:

I managed with a pipette, a paintbrush sounds like a good thought. I also let them lick drops of formula from my fingers.

carozy (author) from San Francisco on August 20, 2020:

I'm lamentable I do not oft check Hubpages whatever more, but I hope you were able to find your answers with the help of Google. When I raised the 3 mice babies, their eyes were airtight, simply I did not know their age. I fed them every two-3 hours, letting them eat as much as they wanted of homo baby soy formula. The drops were too big for their mouths! I did my best and also let them lick from my fingers. I did non know or worry about rubbing tummies/behinds, simply I did pet them a little bit. I kept them warm, out of drafts, a comfortable room temperature. You tin Google unlike mice types and click images to get an idea of what mice you might have. I hope y'all were able to find your answers, and once again, apologize, as I do not check hubpages on the regular.

carozy (author) from San Francisco on Baronial 20, 2020:

Perchance some mouse food from a pet store? I'm non an expert merely google might aid.

carozy (writer) from San Francisco on August 20, 2020:

human babe soy formula is closest for a mouse

chi-mai rodeheaver on August 15, 2020:

Hi. What did yous use to treat the mites with? We simply discovered nosotros take them Nd are using wood chips. And then I remembered I read most it in your article. Any help is appreciated. Much thanks.

babymouse on August 02, 2020:

a well placed boot stomp?? really??? she did the right affair to take in to accept in the mice!!! although, she could have found some friends for minnete, or but released minnete instead of the other two. they would take been happy!!

Claire on May xix, 2020:

I establish two 6-7 day old mice. At first i was feeding them with minor paint brushes, just because the paint brushes and the mice were and so modest I had to become back and along between them and the food and afterwards they finished at that place first paintbrush full they wouldn't desire to eat the 2d. I haven't tried it even so, but i'g going to start using a syringe to feed them, simply I need to know if this is a good idea or if i should continue using a paintbrush. Thank you.

Brooklyn on May xiv, 2020:

I just found a baby mouse that looks like it was born yesterday. I waited a chip to encounter if the mom would show up but it didn't.

Hither are some of my questions:

How onetime should they be when yous first helping them employ the washroom?

When helping them pee practise you rub their breadbasket or butt?

What are the chances of the newborn babe living through the first nighttime without its mom?

When it lives through the first night volition information technology most likely live to be an adult if it keeps getting fed well?

How exercise you know if your newborn mouse is to hot or to common cold?

Can you tell if your newborn baby is a deer mouse or a house mouse? If you can tell I would like to know how. If you tin can't I would like to know when you can tell.

If I am going on a route trip, could he survive with the lid on with multiple holes or would he be to cold?

Those are all my questions for know, please get dorsum to me ASAP, give thanks you:)

angiemouse on May 03, 2020:

my wild vole mouse is about 21/2 weeks now and eating solids.right at present giving a mouse and hamster mix..sunflower seeds..strawberries and he likes organic oatmeal baby cereal with h2o..what else should i feed him?is there anythign from exterior i should give him like bawl or grass?

Pup on April 30, 2020:

I need to know what vitamin milk I need for infant mouses

Evette Mytko on February 21, 2020:

Animals of all kinds have come and gone through these doors. I have learned much...but not all. I appreciate the help.

.

Sandyjeanie on September 27, 2019:

Years ago, my girl brought me a very immature & tiny brown baby mouse with a cleaved leg. He could only elevate himself in circles..because of his hanging leg. She begged me to save the little mouse. He would not eat or drink on his own; he would just drink & eat from my hand. So, I gave him water, a tiny flake of soy formula and generally whole grain cereals. I taped his dragging leg..into the position that it should have been in and left the tape on his leg for 3 weeks. When I removed the tape..at commencement he was clumsy and fell over. But then..phenomenon; he began slowly using the leg. I named the trivial guy Gimps..because even though he learned to use that leg quite well..he always had a slight simply barely noticeable limp. Ane solar day..my daughter and I decided that Gimps needed female person companionship. We went to the pet store and bought a white female mouse. My daughter wanted to name her Stuart..merely when I reminded her that Stuart in the movie was a boy..she opted for the name Stuartessa. Gimps and Stuartessa became the all-time of friends..and then mates. They lived for 4 or 5 years..and over the years we watched them raise their own babies and help to enhance grandbabies. Nosotros had two big plastic houses with lots of tubes for them. They all had names and individual personalities. They seemed happy and we were greatly amused by our mouse family unit..over the years. Oh..and merely so you know..mice are really smart little devils; they are truly amazing & resilient little creatures. We but loved them!!

Lily on August 25, 2019:

We accept a small mound in our garden filled with rubble and rats. Today nosotros decided to become rid of it and we unfortunately disturbed a nest of baby'south. Nosotros found 3 but not sure if there are more than. I did a lot of excavation but couldn't find any. I'm keeping them in a small bucket with some hay and I feed them regularly but I don't know if they are rats or mice. My parents say they are rats but I don't recollect they are, anyone know how to tell?

Sofiia on Baronial 22, 2019:

How to take care of infant mice

Sofiia on August 22, 2019:

Haw to accept care of mice what is the bespeak of it

tristan on July 09, 2019:

nosotros have baby mice to. nosotros raised and save 3 the are ii days old they are so cute

Karl on July 07, 2019:

Carozy, I read your article and constitute some piece of mind regarding my situation. The other 24-hour interval my fiance and did much needed cleaning of our garage. Upon cleaning it we plant a female parent mouse and her 3 babies. Non wanting to kill them, we attempted to rehome the group not far from the business firm. A few hours later I went back to the location nosotros had rehomed them at, all iii babies were still at that place, one had perished only the ii were live. Nosotros thought perhaps the mother might come dorsum, and then nosotros left them overnight. I checked on them the adjacent morning time and the two babies were still at that place, same exact spots. I knew the mother wasn't coming dorsum and we couldn't go out these two babies barely 2 weeks sometime out to die. Currently we have them in a warm cozy spot, feeding them formula on a paint brush every 3-four hours. My question for you is, how do you know when the right time is to release them into the wild? I fright them non being able to live a natural life beingness weened off their mother then early.

carozy (author) from San Francisco on Dec 23, 2018:

Good luck! Getting educated is the showtime pace. Besides be conscientious if you are in a hantavirus hot zone.

Ana on Dec 22, 2018:

This is so middle warming I'grand tryjng to practice the aforementioned I don't want these babe stuff to die information technology's so overwhelming for me I've tried a couple of your steps now I'one thousand gonna try a method I just seen on YouTube

Ruby on November 29, 2018:

This broke my middle. It was then touching.

Alex on October 13, 2018:

I have a litter of 3 girls I'yard taking care of right now, and the tiniest i opened her eyes today... Simply a twenty-four hours later than her sisters. The tip of her tail is pinkish, and it's only the cutest. I am so surprised and pleased that they are doing so well, considering that less than a week ago, they were shot out the tailpipe of a motorcycle (now my boyfriend keeps information technology covered when not in use- he felt So guilty). I think I may have establish a calling. I have two who are set for release any day now, both of which were snagged by my cat and in severe stupor when I found them, just they pulled through, and I take one boy who is fashion too comfortable and tame to leave me. My co-worker institute him outside the shop during freezing rain; he was and then cold and barely animate, with all his little legs straight upward in the Air. I thought for sure he would die, merely I wanted to make sure he was as comfy every bit he could be... His eyes opened the very next day. That was last April, and now I have a permanent mouse resident. He loves to spin on his wheel and he comes to come across me when I talk to him, though he doesn't like to be picked up.

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised- years agone, I had a pet rat, Phoebe, who helped me through some hard times, and changed and so many people's opinions on rodents. Everyone who met her loved her, and my only tattoo is of her. I guess I am destined to exist a rodent lady.

I hope these little girls can go back to the wild, only if not, they'll be well taken intendance of. (They're currently curled upward in my manus fast asleep after dinnertime).

Anna on October 06, 2018:

Found a baby mouse face downwards in a puddle at work poor thing was barely moving and coughing up h2o. Still has information technology'southward eyes closed. Warmed it upwardly in the car and brought information technology habitation. Feeding it with a paint bush-league. Information technology looks similar information technology has a bone sticking out but it's not infected or haemorrhage. It seems to exist moving ok. Little mouse is so affectionate. I put my manus in to get to to feed and it tin can't wait for me to agree it. I love this footling mouse so much and it's but been 2 days but it is doing well.

Haley on September xviii, 2018:

Give thanks you!! Im in the midsts of nurturing a little mouse besides :) Im really struggling with the getting up at nighttime to feed him though (because I cant sleep afterward) simply I gratefully live in a marijuana legal state which makes information technology easier. I found mine in the trunk of a used machine at the dealership I worked for - his mom moved all the babies when we found them merely left i... Named Gerie :)

Grandma on August 21, 2018:

Im TOO OLD for this! Every two hours...painfully slow feeding KMR with a paintbrush ! They keep looking for a nipple and real mouse milk and expressing displeasure in what I offered! Wiggling making it and then hard to continue milk from going in their noses........but Gosh The Magic! All v made it and opened their eyes today and looked up at me....Melt! They are strong and vigorous movers...shiny coats but am training every few hours with Q tips to clean their fur. They get formula on their feet and walk on each other. Even with eyes airtight they began sucking formula from pieces of wheat bread in T lite metallic holders.....can Blest slumber thru the dark!! They cling to my fingers when I try to put them into the plush tube with heat pad under the plastic box they are in. Yes...I will keep them...no

Every bit a Microbiologist I know Hunta Virus is more than complicated to catch than from your hands. Ordered habitrail Ovo Dwarf habitats to give them a Skillful Life. My Life is Enriched! It has been a Journeying but seeing them thrive.....has been a Great Joy! The Ovo is cat proof. All yous kind people...yous warm my heart!

FrancesAcorn on July 04, 2018:

Hasaheart fabricated a comment maxim it was cruel to release them— this is absolutely not the instance. Wildlife are wild animals, fifty-fifty if we've fostered them since practically birth. They are not pets. Respect them.

Unless animals are in immediate danger (predators like cats, dogs, etc.), please call a wildlife rehabilitation center for advice on what to do earlier moving it/them. At that place's a significant trouble of people kidnapping baby rabbits, fawns, fledgling birds, etc. falsely thinking they've been abased. We can endeavor to raise these animals, but their own parent(s) is e'er the all-time.

Three of import things to keep in mind if you find an orphaned, ill, or injured brute:

-Warm, night, and placidity! That means no radio in the automobile, no blasting the A/C, etc. These are animals that are going to be very stressed and scared. Having to bring a cold animal upwardly to temperature delays care. If you care enough to attempt to save an animal, give them the best shot at making it.

-No food and no h2o (unless wild fauna rehab staff tell y'all otherwise). It feels counterintuitive not to immediately attempt to feed that poor starving thing, simply nutrient can kill a dehydrated fauna and you lot probably don't know/take what they're supposed to eat anyhow. It's piece of cake for modest animals, particularly, to drown in dishes of water.

-It is illegal to keep a wild animal. That police force is in that location to protect the animals (and that's why we're all here, right?) If you're interested in caring for wild fauna, I'd highly recommend volunteering with your local wildlife rehabilitation centre or network of liscenced abode rehabbers. It's difficult and often heartbreaking piece of work, just information technology is also incredibly rewarding and such a privelege to encounter wildlife up close.

Cheers!

margaret on May sixteen, 2018:

can the male person mice be in the cage with the babys

steve h on May 14, 2018:

Nosotros take an old business firm with a rock foundation with fissures/holes.

We get mice several times a yr.

My true cat tells me where they are.

I let them become outside, only I find some mutilated and don't know what is killing and so? Birds, other mice, rabbits, chip and dale?

Delight send aid.

steve h

Annelise on April 05, 2018:

I accept 1 baby mouse and i'm worried that when i become to slumber information technology might dice i put some evaporated milk in its cage simply i'm still worried most the little guy.

Kitten on March 30, 2018:

I was actually sad when I realized that at this pet store poor baby mice were there to get feed to snakes!!! My friend got three!!!!! I'1000 worried

Shelby Snyder on January 14, 2018:

Hi, I was very greatful for this commodity. I have a snake that was eating frozen mice before I got him and wouldn't eat for me. My mom was out and got a LIVE baby mouse. Me beingness the beast lover I am, became attached to the mouse. I knew my snake wouldn't swallow him and as of right at present am waiting for the heads up to go up and collected the mouse from the tank, I have a feeling that the mouse will nonetheless be there the side by side fourth dimension I cheque so I needed this article so I can hopefully keep the mouse. It's ane thing for the snake to swallow it it's some other for the mouse to die from dehydration or starvation. If anyone has whatever tips email me: shelbys88@outlook.com

Hasaheart on December 03, 2017:

Once you brand a determination to take an fauna out of the wild y'all cannot render information technology to the wild. It is merely inhumane to exercise that blazon of matter. All y'all did was prolong their decease. You said it yourself they were not taught the skills to live in the wild so considering out of irrational fear of a virus (exercise your research it's irrational) y'all broke the promise you lot made to Take care of those mice. I hand raised a wild baby mouse who was abandoned by her mother and kept her for her whole life (2 yrs). She was my pet and I had made a commitment to her no matter what. I did innovate her to a domesticated pet shop mouse and they did wonderful together. I think yous have to finish post-obit your fears and instead follow your heart. I could only imagine what fate those poor mice met when you lot allow them go.

trust me on November 05, 2017:

human infant formula or water down slightly kitten milk at torso temp use a pippet very slowly making sure no milk goes in there air current pipe

Faith on September 09, 2017:

Help

My baby mice are with out there mother and ii of them are died I don't have the Cash for the formula what practise I exercise I was giving them cows milk just I read I kills them. please Aid

carozy (author) from San Francisco on August 16, 2017:

I'm sad, I am non familliar with how best to deal with this issue, but I'll offer some thoughts. I know sometimes wild animate being mothers will carelessness their litter, or kick one/some out if the mom feels she can't back up it/them, although I had non heard of killing them. Nine babe mice does audio like a lot for one mouse to deal with. Possibly helping to feed the babies with human soy babe formula as a supplement might assistance the mother become that she doesn't have to feed all nine babies herself?

I don't know if it's a protein outcome or not. Back when I went through this experience I remember learning that infant human being formula was chosen because its components were closest to what mice need, and I know human chest milk is only 5-6% protein, which means the protein needs of both humans and mice are rather small. (Humans grow fastest and biggest during their infancy than at whatsoever other time in their life - doubling and tripling their size in a affair of months, and notwithstanding only need v to 6% protein in their main nutrient to attain this. I gotta say, as a vegan, I already know that the need for a lot ton of protein in our diet is perpetuated by the meat/dairy and muscle-building industries, and the exaggeration of how much protein is truly needed is a cultural myth. I can become on about this simply have you ever heard of the disease for inadequate protein in one'southward diet? Information technology's kwashiorkor. A word no western person has heard of, and yet so many believe in the necessity of a very meaty diet for humans.)

Since we tin't really ask mouse mother what'south upward, I would search Google and try other mouse-pet experts. Perhaps you'll come accross someone who is experienced in this.

Also, if you fear for the lives of the other baby mice, try rearing them past hand using my tips, abroad from the mom.

Good luck. I'm sorry you're going through this.

Olivia on August 14, 2017:

1 of my female mice simply had a litter of ix babies on Saturday morning. It is now nine:45 Monday morn, and she has killed 3 of them. how do I terminate it, or at least help? Me and my mom call back it might be a trouble with lack of poly peptide. I feed her nutrient called VitaGarden. if you can help, please annotate. Thanks!

Britney on May 22, 2017:

I idea this story was and then very adorable and existence I'm in the exact situation it truly pulled at my heart strings, although I would like to say after raising these mice and them having no experience on how to be a mouse considering a human being housed, cleaned, protected from prey, and feed them there whole life from babies at that place survival rate after release is slim to none.... besides afterwards having these mice for that long you should accept no longer worried well-nigh the virus, your mice would have gotten sick.... I still think you did an crawly thing for a few babies that others disregarded!

Richie on May twenty, 2017:

y'all did proficient deed give thanks you

Denean Williams on April 17, 2017:

I've constitute a wild babe mouse and we don't have any vets that take care of mice, we think he has broken ribs and im not killing him crusade hes so cute and if theres a way to save him sick do it, i just want to know it you could tell me how to intendance for him and help heal him some how. he wont consume very well. my cat got ahold of him and thats why hes hurting hes a stray i found in my laundry room. what did you lot feed your mice? didthey similar what youfed them? please assist me look things upwardly and help me with the cutey!!!

Jake on Feb 02, 2017:

That's cool.

carozy (author) from San Francisco on January 03, 2017:

That was sweet of y'all to take care of them. I'm sorry to hear what happened, that must've been very hard for you. As yous've been told, these things happen, but I'm glad you showed them honey and caring. You lot picked beautiful names for them. Wish y'all well with your future pets too :) Happy New Year!

tiger-lilly on December 21, 2016:

hey,

i just wanted to say i had just about the same thing......

my dad was outside doing a new driveway, i was in the room at the time when my dad came in with a tiny infant with his adorable ayes closed, and thats when i put him in a comfy, bed in a small handbasket and ran outside....unfortunately the nest had been ruined, and our two dogs misty and rusty were already in the nest, fortunately i scared them off with anger, non meaning to exist mad at them, it wasn't their fult it was just a game to them....anyway in the end i managed to rescue 3 gorges infant'southward, 2 boys and a daughter, the first male child was the smallest ( who was the one my dad showed me) i named him tiny, the 2d boy was the big boy who i named solo and i named the girl Lola. And i quickly went online and did some research... i had them in a pocket-sized-ish ( well big enough for them at the moment..) tank. through the fourth dimension i had them, i had learned so much. And you the feeling like your their mum,and you feel then proud of yourself, watching them day by twenty-four hours abound stronger, and watching them play and make the cutest sounds. But it was the terminate of the holidays and i had to become to school, ( being 13years erstwhile) and they had to exist fed regularly... i had no choice but to leave the task to my pace-mum, and i came home that afternoon with a friend who was so exited to see them, merely they went themselves, they looked sickly, i despetly went online to see what i could practise, null..... i tried to feed them but they refused...i went to my footstep-mum, and i at present understood what had happen..... :( she couldn't notice their milk then she gave them watered downwardly cows milk.....they cant digest cows milk and being and then pocket-size they before long passed away 10mins afterward..... i cant blame my pace-mum she didn't know.......i wish i told her... i was and so upset....( my friend was still in that location, she was staying for a sleepover) for the next few days i was very upset...things were going and then well, until now......i went online, and looked at other breeders, rescuers,and they all said that 'sometimes things happen, and the best thing you tin can do is know that you tried your very best, and did something that others wouldn't of cared about.....' i felt bad as many new they would die as i was inexperienced and only xiii.... many people had dubiety with me...and said mean things...

that was at the beginning of the twelvemonth, i now may exist getting iii babies domestic mice for Christmas...

cheers guys!

carozy (author) from San Francisco on September 12, 2016:

10 gallon aquarium with lid (they jump!) and some fun stuff in in that location for them - stuff to climb, crawl on, hide under, and/or a piffling mouse wheel). Once their eyes open up they can eat real food - domestic mouse nutrient, too fresh vegetables, grains, and seeds. If they get sick I would try to observe a vet, simply that can exist hard to find. The human soy formula well-nigh two 60 minutes intervals with feedings as much as they like to eat in the hateful time. Also give them a mouse water bottle dripper (observe at a pet store) one time they are eating solids. When first weaned I besides left a tiny bowl of formula in the cage for them. A pet store employee who knows mice can offer good advice likewise. Good luck, promise they do well!

Jude on September 09, 2016:

Hi! I know this is an one-time thread but I'thou in the exact aforementioned situation right now, I read your whole story and I'm doing everything to the dot with what you did for the infant mice I take only they're starting to look ill. Do you lot think transferring them to a larger tank helped once they opened their optics? My guys are withal in a shoe box and I'one thousand debating letting them get so they at least have a run a risk in fresh air and with seeds in the forest, merely they're not weaned nonetheless. I don't want them to die from existence stuck in a box :( any advice? Thanks!

Marcella0822 on September 06, 2016:

Sadly Mickey didn't make information technology through the dark but I'll be meliorate prepared for side by side fourth dimension....if there e'er is one ;) Once again, thanks for informing u.s.a..

Marcy M.

Marcella0822 on September 04, 2016:

I could read yous ALL Solar day!! Anyways I simply found an orphaned (?) baby and having a heart like yours, there's NO Way I was leaving it on my garage floor to die then estimate who's off to the store to buy soy infant formula? Mayhap I'll come dorsum and let you lot know how this goes, say a prayer possibly? Again I give thanks you for an awesome commodity and bully stride past step advice.

Sincerely,

Marcella

Antioch, IL

Kim on Baronial 29, 2016:

Merely found 3 little mice myself Friday. One was already expressionless, one was weak simply I had hopes for the strong one. I had a very tinny dropper which I used to feed them merely one passed on Saturday and the strongest merely passed on today; Monday morning. I wished I had found your article before. I was non feeding them every bit frequently and I was using Almond milk which seemed to me to exist very thick and fatty. I guess information technology was not the right diet for their lilliputian bodies. Feeling lamentable. They were then tinny they hardly had any hair. It was a lot of work for those few days though for sure. The strongest did open his eyes. I just hate telling my son when he comes home from school this afternoon. Thank you for the info and I volition endeavour infant formula side by side time.

carozy (writer) from San Francisco on August 22, 2016:

I did not think of that at the time I raised them nor when I wrote this, simply I do experience the same. They are a lot of work though, and at the fourth dimension I released them, I thought they would be OK. But I remember yous have a practiced point and if I did it over, I'd merely go along them or re-home them.

Justin Green on Baronial 15, 2016:

Delight people seeing this story. Exercise not release them after having them live in a cage where food was only provided. A mouse tin not live in the wild afterwards existence raised similar that. Would you survive long be dropped in the woods with your skill prepare?

I am non trying to rain on your taco here man. Just promise to go the word out so others volition not release them. If you accept them in y'all need to keep them or find a domicile!

carozy (author) from San Francisco on July 28, 2016:

Good luck. Make certain yous are using a soy based formula with baby mice. I hope she makes it! Kind of you guys to take care of her.

Husom on July 25, 2016:

My brother plant a baby mouse and recently gave it to u.s.a. to treat.Information technology'south been great until recently,she was very active lastnight,just opened her eyes yesterday.But,This morn when I found her,she's barely moving,still breathing,and barely eating.Help please,If anyone has whatever communication to assist the states keep her going.We all have grown very plant of her and willing to do anything for her,so far Ive been tring every hour to work with her.Information technology's almost though she's gone,simply she's breathing.Ive been gently blowing in her confront,and so she sucks a fiddling of milk,but it's been a tough love.I don't wanna loose my baby"(

carozy (author) from San Francisco on June 21, 2016:

Good luck with caring for the little mouse!

Casey on June xx, 2016:

What a wonderful story I Came Upon yours well looking on the cyberspace because I found a infant out in the garage at that place was a baby at present that I establish out in the garage no other no nothing looked on the internet what to practise I only went through that with the kittens somebody through from the car I witnessed and concluded up taking information technology to the vet that died so I just don't know what to exercise with this little Mouse my heart is bigger than it should exist merely I really enjoyed your story

bob on April 17, 2016:

thanks

carozy (author) from San Francisco on August 05, 2014:

You should be careful if you lot are in the hantavirus zone because you tin can get ill with hantavirus. If you are in a safe zone, just follow my recommendations in the article. Soy formula to feed them. Good luck!

see on Baronial 04, 2014:

How-do-you-do peoples I live in whiteriver AZ but was in Cbq AZ an I found two babes mice , eyes are nonetheless close an there are veary tiny mice we found out side

Of my boy friend mom'due south house an we go on them don't know how to take intendance of them so we need ur help on feeding ... Delight assist with whatever fashion you lot could .

delete on August 04, 2014:

Hi peoples I live in whiteriver AZ just was in Cbq AZ an I found 2 babes mice , optics are yet shut an there are veary tiny mice we institute out side

Of my male child friend mom's firm an we keep them don't know how to accept care of them so we need ur aid on feeding ... Please aid with any way you could .

carozy (author) from San Francisco on June 30, 2014:

I would say wait until they're almost 6-eight weeks old. Their eyes will open soon and you'll find they grow fast. Yous'll know when. Watch out they tin can leap loftier too. Take care of yourself and get enough sleep -- the early days you lot might lose some. Also be careful of hantavirus. If you are in one of the hotspots I don't think it's worth information technology -- it's a fatal illness to humans! Skilful luck Diane, I wish you and the mice well.

Diane on June 29, 2014:

I'm in the aforementioned situation, was digging in some sand to prepare a pelting piping extension and came across the babies, at first I idea information technology was a grub, then looked again and it'southward two baby mice. If you read this I demand some info, I couldn't exit them there to die, I've been feeding them and waiting for their eyes to open. When practice I let them get dorsum to the outside world? They accept fur but no opening of the eyes yet. Even so very small-scale nigh the size of my pollex. Please if yous read this I would love some insight from you. Were the same, couldn't leave them to die. Thanks, Diane

carozy (author) from San Francisco on June 23, 2014:

Cheers, so practiced to hear this commodity helped you! Thank you for letting me know and skilful luck with the mouse!

Sierra on June 21, 2014:

I found a babe mouse about to be eaten by a cat in the heart of the road! This article helped me a lot, and I am planning on releasing information technology to the wild when information technology'southward large enough! You are such a nice person and I lovedddd reading your article! :)

carozy (writer) from San Francisco on Oct 17, 2012:

Awe. I wish you lot luck Lisa with them. They grow so fast I hope y'all'll get through this exhaustive showtime phase soon. I hope you accept a good time with them and can find a prophylactic place for them to live when you're ready to set them free. I know it hurts just if you can't keep them what else can you do? I love the names, I'm certain they fit their personalities as well.

Lisa on October 17, 2012:

I find myself in the same position as you are, while walking through our storage building, a board fell and killed mother mouse, leaving four fuzzies orphaned, as much every bit they grossed me out at the time, I felt it wrong to just get out them to certain death. Scarface, The Dude, Wednesday, and Scratch are the loves of my life now. 6 days in and I learn something new everyday with them, they all accept dissimilar personalities, grow at different rates, and accept unlike little sounds they brand. Some are fussier eaters, some are a dream. None the less, the nighttime feedings are driving me a bit to burnout. I never expected to exist able to go along all 4 alive, and every fourth dimension I go to feed, I feel blessed they are all thriving. They are still blind, only becoming more than agile (the now refuse to stay in their nests, and have cliqued into 2 groups of cuddle buddies), overslept a trivial flake and missed ane feeding, woke up to my babies beingness a little dehydrated, never over again. I dread the solar day I attempt to release them, as my home situation is probably non going to support iv mice effectually the house, nor will my cats. But for at present, they have completely stolen my heart, and you are so right, you take no lived until you lot have watched a babe mice yawn.

carozy (author) from San Francisco on September 19, 2012:

Dear me. I happen to love cats also, and here they go and gobble up beautiful little mice all twenty-four hours long. Lioness, I wish y'all well.

Lioness on September xix, 2012:

Wow! Good for you :)

Personally, I kill mice without a second idea - except when I plant a litter of infant mice. I didn't want to kill them, but my Dad came and did the deed before I could say anything about it.

carozy (author) from San Francisco on August 20, 2012:

Thanks FullOfLoveSites. Glad you experience the same way I do. :)

FullOfLoveSites from United States on August 20, 2012:

Awwwwww... these mice are such darlings. Thanks for sharing! :)

carozy (author) from San Francisco on August 19, 2012:

Definitely, and I hear tame rats brand very entertaining and affectionatepets.

carozy (author) from San Francisco on August 19, 2012:

Thank you lot, that's sweet of you to say.

Pollyannalana from United states of america on August 19, 2012:

Years ago my husband caught a mouse on a trap past its tail with didn't kill it of course and information technology was so adorable I put it in a cage and by the side by side morning it was gone. Or else the husband took matters into his ain easily I am no sure. Fifty-fifty rats are cute equally babies aren't they?

Marilyn on Baronial 19, 2012:

Information technology is wonderful people like you lot that keep my faith in humanity. With so much media focus on atrosities beingness washed to animals....I know you story will uplift those of us who care! Thanks for being a compassionate human being!!!!!!!!

carozy (author) from San Francisco on July 20, 2012:

Awe, give thanks you DzyMsLizzy! :)

Liz Elias from Oakley, CA on July 20, 2012:

Precious story. Thank you for caring for the niggling darlings. I know what a eye-wrenching decision it must accept been to release them, but information technology was probably for the best, as you pointed out; you don't desire a houseful of mice, then that they go a trouble instead of pets.

Voted up, beautiful and crawly.

carozy (writer) from San Francisco on May 24, 2012:

Skilful luck! I hope you have success with them. :)

Zoe on May 22, 2012:

I am upward at the early on hours of the morning finding myself with the aforementioned story every bit you..I also have three baby orphan mice, lets hope they all servive..beingness a mum of 8 lovely children I can't only leave them to die.

carozy (author) from San Francisco on January 26, 2012:

Give thanks you! I felt I couldn't just go out them, been an fauna lover all my life. Thank you for your vote as well! Wait frontwards to checking out your hubs (at piece of work right now though!)

bluebird on January 26, 2012:

P.S. Love the names you gave them, they are and so cute. I've taken care of many a baby bird fallen out of the nest, that was delightful and had several ducks for pets. They are such fun also!

bluebird on January 26, 2012:

Wow! This is precious, I loved it! A true animate being lover if there ever was one! Thank you for sharing and thank y'all for loving plenty to care for even the smallest of God's creatures! What a kind heart you are - I feel connected to y'all already.

Good chore - voted awesome!

carozy (writer) from San Francisco on January 17, 2012:

Thank you lot Pollyannalana! Hope you enjoy the article :)

Pollyannalana from United states on Jan 17, 2012:

Voted up, will exist back.

slaughterwilloused.blogspot.com

Source: https://pethelpful.com/rodents/How-to-Care-for-Baby-Mice