How many pups does a mouse gestate? - briefly
A mouse typically gestates five to twelve offspring per litter, most commonly six to eight. The gestation period lasts roughly three weeks.
How many pups does a mouse gestate? - in detail
Mice typically produce a litter ranging from three to fourteen young, with the average size falling between five and eight. The exact number varies among species, genetic strains, and environmental conditions.
- Species differences: The common house mouse (Mus musculus) averages six to eight pups, while larger species such as the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) can reach up to ten. Laboratory strains engineered for high fertility may regularly exceed ten offspring per gestation.
- Maternal factors: Age, body condition, and parity influence litter size. First‑time mothers often have smaller litters (three to five), whereas experienced females can produce larger broods.
- Nutrition and housing: Adequate protein and caloric intake, as well as low stress environments, correlate with increased offspring numbers. Overcrowding or poor diet typically reduces the count.
- Seasonal effects: In wild populations, breeding during spring and summer yields larger litters due to abundant resources, while autumn and winter litters tend to be smaller.
The gestation period for most mice lasts 19–21 days. After this interval, the dam gives birth to the full complement of pups, which are altricial and require maternal care for the first three weeks. Maximum recorded litter sizes approach fourteen pups, but such extremes are uncommon in natural settings.