How many pups can a single mouse give birth to? - briefly
A typical laboratory mouse produces between five and ten offspring per litter, with occasional litters reaching up to twelve pups. Wild house mice exhibit similar ranges, though exact numbers vary with species and environmental conditions.
How many pups can a single mouse give birth to? - in detail
Mice generally produce litters ranging from five to twelve offspring, with occasional reports of fourteen or more in optimal conditions. Laboratory strains such as C57BL/6 often average eight to nine pups per birth, while wild house mice (Mus musculus) display broader variation, frequently falling between six and ten.
Key variables influencing litter size:
- Genetic background – selective breeding can raise or lower average numbers.
- Female age – primiparous females tend to have smaller litters; peak productivity occurs at 2–4 months.
- Nutrition – high‑protein diets correlate with larger broods.
- Health status – parasites or disease reduce reproductive output.
- Environmental conditions – temperature, photoperiod, and population density affect hormonal cycles.
Reproductive cycle details:
- Gestation lasts 19–21 days.
- Females become fertile again within 24 hours after parturition.
- In favorable climates, a single female may produce up to seven litters annually, potentially yielding 50–70 offspring per year.
Comparative data:
- Laboratory mouse: 8 ± 2 pups, 4–5 litters/year.
- Wild house mouse: 6–10 pups, 5–7 litters/year.
- Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus): 3–5 pups, 2–3 litters/year.
Overall, a single mouse can realistically give birth to between five and twelve pups per litter, with extreme cases exceeding fifteen under ideal genetic and environmental circumstances.