How many babies does a field mouse give birth to at once? - briefly
A field mouse typically gives birth to a litter of four to seven young, with occasional litters reaching up to ten.
How many babies does a field mouse give birth to at once? - in detail
Field mice typically produce litters ranging from four to twelve young, with most observations clustering around six to eight offspring per reproductive event. The exact count varies among species and environmental conditions.
- Species differences: The European wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) commonly has six to eight pups, while meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) may reach up to ten.
- Seasonal influence: Breeding in spring and early summer yields larger litters; winter litters are often smaller due to reduced food availability.
- Maternal health: Well‑nourished females with ample shelter tend to achieve the upper end of the litter size spectrum.
- Gestation period: Approximately 19–21 days, after which the female gives birth to the full complement of young.
- Reproductive frequency: Females can produce up to five litters per year, each following the same gestational timeline.
Overall, a field mouse can expect to deliver roughly six to eight offspring in a single birth, with variations driven by species, climate, and maternal condition.