How many pups does a mouse give birth to? - briefly
A mouse usually produces between five and twelve offspring per litter, with most domestic strains averaging six to eight. The number can vary according to species, age, nutrition, and environmental conditions.
How many pups does a mouse give birth to? - in detail
Mice typically produce litters ranging from three to twelve offspring, with an average of six to eight. The exact number depends on species, genetic line, and environmental conditions.
Key variables influencing litter size:
- Species: Domestic house mouse (Mus musculus) often yields larger litters than wild species such as the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus).
- Age of the dam: Young females (first estrus) may have smaller litters, while mature adults reach peak productivity.
- Nutrition: Adequate protein and caloric intake correlate with higher offspring counts.
- Health status: Disease or stress reduces reproductive output.
- Seasonality: In temperate zones, breeding peaks in spring and summer, when larger litters are more common.
Gestation lasts approximately 19–21 days. After delivery, a female can become fertile again within a few days, allowing for multiple litters per year—often three to five, depending on the length of the breeding season and resource availability.
Overall, a well‑fed, healthy adult mouse in optimal conditions can routinely give birth to eight or more pups per litter, with the potential to produce several such litters annually.