How many times do mice breed? - briefly
A female mouse can give birth about every three weeks and may produce up to ten litters annually. Each litter typically consists of five to eight pups.
How many times do mice breed? - in detail
Mice reach sexual maturity at about five to six weeks of age. After conception, gestation lasts 19‑21 days, after which a litter is born. Females enter estrus within 24 hours of delivering offspring, allowing immediate re‑mating.
Typical litter size ranges from five to twelve pups, with an average of seven. Under optimal laboratory conditions—constant temperature, abundant food, and a 12‑hour light cycle—females can produce a new litter every 28‑30 days. Consequently, a single female can generate up to ten litters in a year.
Key reproductive parameters:
- Sexual maturity: 5‑6 weeks
- Gestation period: 19‑21 days
- Postpartum estrus: within 24 h
- Inter‑litter interval: ≈28 days
- Litters per year (ideal): up to 10
- Average litter size: 5‑12 pups
Environmental factors such as nutrition, ambient temperature, and photoperiod influence the frequency and size of litters. Stressors or suboptimal conditions reduce the number of breeding cycles and may increase the interval between litters.