How many mice does one female mouse give birth to? - briefly
A female mouse usually produces between four and twelve offspring per litter, with most domestic strains averaging six to eight pups. Litter size can vary according to strain, age, nutrition, and environmental conditions.
How many mice does one female mouse give birth to? - in detail
A female mouse typically produces a litter of five to eight pups. The count can vary widely:
- Minimum observed: three pups
- Common range: five to eight pups
- Upper extreme in laboratory strains: up to fourteen pups
- Rare maximum in wild populations: eighteen pups
Litter size depends on several factors:
- Genetic strain – Inbred laboratory strains such as C57BL/6 often yield smaller litters (5‑6), whereas outbred or hybrid strains may reach the upper range.
- Age of the dam – First‑time mothers (primiparous) usually have fewer offspring; litter size peaks at 3‑4 months of age and declines thereafter.
- Nutrition – Adequate protein and caloric intake increase fetal survival and litter size; deficiencies reduce the number of viable pups.
- Environmental conditions – Stable temperature (20‑26 °C) and low stress levels promote larger litters; extreme heat or crowding suppress reproduction.
- Health status – Presence of disease or parasites lowers fetal viability, resulting in smaller litters.
Reproductive cycle details:
- Gestation period: 19‑21 days.
- Post‑partum estrus: Occurs within 12‑24 hours after delivery, allowing a new mating opportunity.
- Potential litters per year: Four to five, given optimal conditions and continuous access to males.
Overall, a well‑cared laboratory mouse can produce 20‑30 offspring annually, while wild females typically have fewer due to harsher conditions and limited breeding opportunities.