What is a mouse's son called? - briefly
The offspring of a mouse is referred to as a pup, sometimes called a pinkie. This term applies to both male and female newborns.
What is a mouse's son called? - in detail
A newborn mouse is commonly referred to as a pup. The term “kit” is also accepted, especially in informal contexts. Both words denote the young of the species Mus musculus and other murine rodents.
During the first week of life, pups are hairless, pink, and weigh approximately 1 gram. Their eyes remain sealed until about day 13, after which they begin to open and develop visual acuity. By the third week, fur covers the body, and the animals transition from nursing to solid food.
Key characteristics of mouse offspring:
- Gestation period: 19–21 days.
- Litter size: typically 5–8 individuals, but can range from 2 to 12.
- Weaning age: 21 days, when solid food intake replaces maternal milk.
- Sexual maturity: reached at 6–8 weeks, allowing rapid population growth.
The designation “pup” aligns with terminology used for other small mammals such as rabbits and ferrets, while “kit” mirrors the naming convention for species like squirrels and foxes. Scientific literature prefers “pup” when describing developmental stages, whereas “kit” appears in breeding manuals and hobbyist references.
Understanding these terms clarifies communication in research, veterinary practice, and pest‑control settings, ensuring precise identification of the juvenile stage.