What are baby mice called? - briefly
«Pup» is the standard term for a newborn mouse; when hairless and eyes unopened they are often called «pinkie». They retain the pinkie designation until fur appears, typically around ten days after birth.
What are baby mice called? - in detail
Infant mice are referred to as «pup» or «pinkie». The term «pup» applies to young rodents of any species, while «pinkie» specifically denotes a newborn mouse whose fur has not yet developed pigmentation, giving the skin a pink appearance.
During the first week after birth, the offspring progress through distinct stages:
- Day 0‑2: Pinkies, hairless, eyes closed, reliant on maternal milk.
- Day 3‑5: Fur begins to appear, still blind, increased mobility.
- Day 6‑10: Eyes open, whiskers develop, weaning initiates.
Scientific literature on Mus musculus often uses «pup» when describing experimental subjects, whereas «pinkie» appears in breeding and husbandry contexts to emphasize the pre‑fur condition.
Etymology traces «pup» to Middle English “puppe,” a generic term for young animals, while «pinkie» derives from the pink, unpigmented skin characteristic of the earliest stage.
In laboratory settings, precise identification of these stages ensures appropriate care protocols, dosage calculations, and ethical compliance. In pet‑store and breeding environments, recognizing the distinction guides feeding schedules and health monitoring.
Thus, the nomenclature for newborn mice comprises the general label «pup» and the stage‑specific label «pinkie», each serving distinct descriptive and practical functions.