How should I care for newborn mice? - briefly
Maintain a stable temperature (28‑30 °C) and high humidity (≈ 70 %) in the nest, ensure the mother has continuous access to fresh water and high‑protein food, and avoid handling the pups except for essential health checks. Observe daily weight gain and keep the enclosure clean to prevent infections.
How should I care for newborn mice? - in detail
Caring for neonatal murine pups requires strict temperature control, appropriate nutrition, and careful handling.
Maintain a stable environment at 30–32 °C for the first week; use a heating pad or incubator with a thermostat. Verify temperature with a calibrated probe and adjust to prevent overheating or chilling. Provide a nest of soft, absorbent material, such as shredded paper, to retain warmth and allow the mother to build a secure burrow.
Nutrition depends on the dam’s ability to nurse. Observe whether pups are attached to nipples and gaining weight. If the mother is ill, absent, or rejects the litter, supply a sterile, warmed formula designed for mouse neonates. Feed with a calibrated pipette, delivering 5–10 µL per pup every 2–3 hours, rotating feeding positions to stimulate natural sucking patterns. After each feeding, gently clear any residual milk from the mouth to avoid aspiration.
Hygiene is critical. Change bedding daily, using a disinfected cage to limit pathogen exposure. Wash hands with antiseptic before and after handling; wear gloves to reduce stress transfer. Monitor for signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, skin tenting) and infection (redness, discharge). Administer appropriate antibiotics only under veterinary guidance.
Record growth metrics daily: body weight, length, and developmental milestones such as eye opening (around day 14) and fur development. Compare measurements against standard growth curves for the specific strain to detect abnormalities early.
Limit disturbance. Handle pups only when necessary, using a soft brush or gloved fingertips. Keep handling sessions brief (under 30 seconds) and return them promptly to the nest. Ensure the dam is not separated for extended periods; if she must be removed, provide a surrogate mother or an artificial nest with heating and scent cues.
Regularly assess the mother’s health: check for adequate food and water intake, signs of stress, and proper grooming. Provide a balanced diet rich in protein and fat, supplemented with fresh water. Replace food daily to maintain freshness.
By adhering to precise temperature regulation, vigilant nutrition, strict hygiene, systematic monitoring, and minimal stress, neonatal mice can thrive through the critical first weeks of life.