How many pups does a field mouse give birth to at one time? - briefly
A typical litter contains four to seven offspring, though larger litters can reach ten or twelve individuals.
How many pups does a field mouse give birth to at one time? - in detail
Field mice generally produce litters that range from three to ten offspring, with the most common size falling between five and seven. The exact number varies among species and environmental conditions.
- Species differences: The common wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) averages five to six pups per litter, while the meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) often reaches seven to eight.
- Seasonal influence: Breeding peaks in late spring and summer; during these periods, females may carry larger litters due to abundant food supplies.
- Maternal condition: Well‑nourished females tend to have more pups, whereas stressed or malnourished individuals produce smaller litters.
- Geographic variation: Populations in temperate zones typically have larger litters than those in colder, resource‑limited areas.
Gestation lasts roughly 19–21 days, allowing a female to produce multiple litters—often three to five—within a single breeding season. High reproductive output compensates for the species’ short lifespan (approximately one year) and high juvenile mortality. Survival to independence depends on factors such as predation pressure, nest protection, and food availability.