How many mice are in a house mouse litter? - briefly
A typical house‑mouse litter consists of 5 – 10 offspring, averaging roughly 6 to 8 pups.
How many mice are in a house mouse litter? - in detail
A domestic house mouse (Mus musculus) usually produces a litter ranging from three to twelve pups. The average across laboratory and field studies is about six to eight offspring per birth.
Factors influencing litter size include:
- Female age: Young, first‑time breeders often have smaller litters; mature females can reach the upper limit.
- Nutrition: Adequate protein and caloric intake correlate with larger broods.
- Season: Warmer months and longer daylight periods tend to increase reproductive output.
- Genetic strain: Laboratory strains selected for high fecundity may consistently exceed ten pups, while wild populations often stay near the median.
Gestation lasts approximately 19–21 days. After birth, pups remain with the mother for about three weeks before weaning, during which time a second litter can be conceived. Consequently, a single female may produce 5–7 litters annually under optimal conditions, resulting in a potential annual output of 30–60 offspring.
In summary, a typical house mouse litter contains six to eight young, with extremes of three to twelve depending on age, diet, environmental cues, and genetic background.