How should you feed a mouse its offspring? - briefly
Place the newborns with a lactating female that has unlimited access to a balanced, high‑protein mouse diet and fresh water; if the mother is unavailable, feed the pups a commercial mouse milk replacer with a sterile syringe, providing approximately 4–5 ml per 24 hours.
How should you feed a mouse its offspring? - in detail
Feeding newborn mice requires attention to the mother’s natural nursing behavior and, when hand‑rearing, a precise artificial regimen.
The dam normally supplies all nutrition through her milk for the first three weeks. Ensure the nest is warm (28–30 °C), dry, and free of contaminants. Provide the mother with high‑protein rodent chow, fresh water, and occasional soft foods such as moistened pellets or a small amount of baby formula to boost milk production. Change bedding daily to prevent mold and parasites.
If the mother is absent, ill, or the litter is orphaned, hand‑rearing is mandatory. Use a commercial mouse milk replacer that mimics the composition of natural mouse milk: approximately 20 % protein, 10 % fat, 5 % lactose, and essential vitamins and minerals. Prepare the formula according to the manufacturer’s instructions, maintaining a temperature of 35–37 °C.
Feeding schedule for hand‑reared pups:
- Days 0–4: 8–10 feedings per 24 h, 0.1 ml per pup per feeding.
- Days 5–7: 6–8 feedings per 24 h, 0.15 ml per pup.
- Days 8–10: 5–6 feedings per 24 h, 0.2 ml per pup.
- Days 11–14: 4–5 feedings per 24 h, 0.25 ml per pup.
Administer feed with a calibrated pipette, positioning the pup on its stomach to encourage swallowing. After each feeding, gently wipe the mouth with a soft, damp cloth to prevent milk residue from drying and causing infection.
Weaning begins around day 21. Introduce solid rodent chow softened with water or formula, gradually increasing the proportion of dry food over a week. Monitor weight daily; a healthy pup should gain 2–3 g per week. Separate any individuals that fail to thrive for closer observation.
Maintain strict hygiene: sterilize feeding equipment after each use, change nest material regularly, and keep the enclosure free of drafts. Record feeding times, volumes, and weight measurements to track development and adjust the regimen as needed.