How do mouse pups look? - briefly
Newborn mice are hairless, pink, and blind, weighing only a few grams, with tiny pink ears and undeveloped whisker buds.
How do mouse pups look? - in detail
Newborn mice are extremely small, typically measuring 1–1.5 cm in total length from snout to tail tip. Their body mass ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 g, reflecting the limited energy reserves available at birth.
The coat consists of fine, downy fur that appears almost translucent. Pigmentation is generally pinkish‑gray on the ventral side and a lighter gray on the dorsal surface. As the first week progresses, the fur becomes denser and adopts the adult coloration pattern of the strain.
Eyes remain sealed for the first 12–14 hours after delivery; they open gradually between days 10 and 14. Until opening, the ocular region is covered by a thin membrane that protects the developing retina. Ear pinnae are folded against the head and begin to lift as the auditory system matures, typically around day 12.
The tail is proportionally short, measuring about 2–3 mm at birth, and is covered with sparse hair. Limbs are fully formed but appear stubby; the forepaws and hind paws contain undeveloped claws that emerge during the second week. Mobility is limited to brief, uncoordinated movements.
Key physical traits of mouse neonates:
- Length: 1–1.5 cm (including tail)
- Weight: 0.5–1.0 g
- Fur: fine, translucent, pinkish‑gray ventrally, light gray dorsally
- Eyes: closed, open by day 10–14
- Ears: folded, unfold by day 12
- Tail: 2–3 mm, sparsely haired
- Limbs: short, claws undeveloped, limited movement
These characteristics define the early appearance of mouse offspring and provide a baseline for assessing normal development.