How many offspring does a field mouse have? - briefly
A field mouse usually gives birth to 5–10 young per litter, and can have up to three litters annually. This results in roughly 15–30 offspring per year per female.
How many offspring does a field mouse have? - in detail
Field mice typically produce litters of 3–9 young per breeding event. The exact number varies among species; the common European wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) averages 5–7 pups, while the North American meadow mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) often yields 4–6.
Litter size is influenced by several factors:
- Maternal condition: Well‑fed females with adequate body fat tend to have larger broods.
- Age: First‑time breeders usually have smaller litters; size increases with experience up to a peak in mid‑life.
- Season: Breeding peaks in spring and summer when food is abundant, resulting in higher offspring counts.
- Population density: High density can suppress reproductive output, leading to smaller litters.
The gestation period for these rodents ranges from 19 to 23 days. After giving birth, a female can become pregnant again within a few days, allowing multiple litters per year. In optimal habitats, a single female may raise three to five litters annually, producing a total of 12–35 offspring over her reproductive lifespan.
Survival rates of the young depend on nest protection, predation pressure, and climate. Although a female may generate dozens of pups, only a fraction reach maturity, a pattern typical of small‑mammal life histories.