Quote:
Originally Posted by JudithD  So I should try solid foods in addition
to the milk replacement formula? |
Yes ... try a variety of foodstuffs ... fruit as I previously suggested, plus lettuce leaf, dehusked sunflower seeds, and chopped (unsalted) nuts.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JudithD But I felt terrible about keeping her alone in captivity and this is what I hoped to avoid.  |
Orphans raised on their own rarely socialize with others of their kind when ready for release. If released into the territory of another field mouse, the dominant adults may well fight with and even kill strange adolescents, although younger individuals will generally be ignored. Once removed from their immediate family unit, successfully returning an orphan to the wild is full of problems.
Perhaps you should try contacting wildlife rehabilitators in your area to see if your mouse can be raised with other orphans of a similar age ... that way they all stand a much better chance of making it in the wild.
There is a list of Connecticut licenced rehabilitators listed here:
Southeastern Outdoors - Connecticut Wildlife Rehabilitators