How to care for newborn mice? - briefly
Provide a warm, dry nest with soft bedding, maintain temperature around 30 °C, and keep humidity at 50‑60 %; feed the dam a high‑protein diet and ensure she has constant access to fresh water. Monitor the litter for signs of neglect or illness, and handle the pups only briefly after the first week to avoid stress.
How to care for newborn mice? - in detail
A stable environment is the first priority for neonatal rodents. Maintain a temperature of 30 °C–32 °C for the first week, then lower it gradually to 26 °C by the third week. Use a heated incubator or a warming pad covered with a thin layer of soft, absorbent material. Monitor temperature with a calibrated thermometer and adjust heating sources to prevent overheating.
Bedding should be clean, lint‑free, and provide insulation without retaining moisture. Paper‑based nests or shredded tissue paper work well; replace them daily to keep the surface dry. Avoid wood shavings that can release irritants.
Feeding requires precise control of quantity and timing. Mother’s milk is the natural source; if the dam is unavailable, provide a commercial rodent milk replacer formulated for neonates. Warm the formula to 37 °C, then feed with a calibrated pipette or specialized neonatal feeding syringe. Offer 0.1 ml per pup every 2–3 hours during the first five days, increasing volume by 0.05 ml each subsequent day. Observe each pup for a steady suckle and a clear, unfilled stomach after feeding.
Handling should be minimal and gentle. Use gloved hands or soft forceps to transfer pups only when necessary, such as for health checks or cage cleaning. Keep handling sessions under two minutes to reduce stress and prevent hypothermia.
Health monitoring includes daily checks for weight gain, body condition, and signs of illness. Weigh each pup individually at the same time each day; an increase of 2–3 g per day indicates proper growth. Look for signs of dehydration (skin tenting), respiratory distress (labored breathing), or skin lesions. Promptly isolate any sick animal and consult a veterinarian experienced with small rodents.
Weaning begins around day 21. Introduce solid food gradually by placing a small amount of rodent chow on the nest floor. Provide a water bottle with a low‑profile sipper tube; ensure the bottle is positioned to prevent spillage. Reduce supplemental feeding as the pups consume more solid food, monitoring weight to confirm continued growth.
Sanitation is critical throughout the rearing period. Clean cages weekly with a mild, non‑ionic detergent, then rinse thoroughly to remove residue. Disinfect surfaces with a 1 % bleach solution, followed by a rinse with dechlorinated water. Replace all bedding and nesting material after each cleaning cycle.
By maintaining optimal temperature, providing appropriate nutrition, limiting stress, and conducting regular health assessments, caretakers can ensure the successful development of newborn mice from birth through weaning.