Field mice advice

[LynneG]

Hi .....I am actually messaging to say a big thankyou for all the advice you have given on diet and care of field/woodmice.

I have some really good news to share with you all....

On July 21st we were exploring a beach on the North Coast of Cornwall, when my granddaughter noticed a bird of prey hovering overhead....suddenly 4 baby mice landed on the beach.....dropped by the bird of prey! 2 of the mice died instantly and the other 2 were injured..We immediately picked up the 2 survivors and took them back home...much to the sparrowhawk's frustration...One of the babies did not have its eyes open but the other one seemed really bright, was quite lively and had his eyes open.

We went to Truro and bought a small teated bottle and some kitten milk and spent many hours drop feeding these little mice over the next few days. They actually sucked the milk and it was so thrilling. It took alot of time and patience. We put them into an old walking sock into a uni box along with some torn up kitchen roll and hay. Sadly the smaller mouse died but the stronger male mouse has made a full recovery and we have called him Jones ( after Indiana Jones! He loves wet suit sleeves and legs...like tunnels and we have put a couple into his home. He eats anything given to him....grains, seeds, fresh veg and fruit and has even baby slugs. He is so smart and goes everywhere with us. I think he needs another mouse to keep him company. My question is...would it be safe to put a fancy female in with him or would he kill her? Lynne

[paulinemiller10]

Amazing story Lynne, you wonder sometimes why these things happen, most people would not go near any kind of mouse let alone pick them up to save them, so what are the chances of these mice being dropped from the sky and landing right next to someone who could look after them, Jones was one very lucky mouse, well done you for saving him.

As for getting him a friend I m not sure if it would be a good idea or if they would breed, if you had a female you might end up with loads of babes, if it was a male they might fight all the time.

You could think of releasing him into the wild, if you found a safe place for him to live and left food there for a few weeks, he would soon go back to the wild.

Mr Jones is now a very special little mouse, and you must be very fond of him, and I m sure he is very happy getting all his food put on a plate, but he will also be thinking of girlfriends and may long to find a mate, but as he came to you in such a special way, I think you yourself will know what he needs for his future happiness, and the answer will come to you just like he came to you on that amazing day on the beach. Pauline.

[The Woodman]

Originally Posted by foxyjilly

I have seen a wood mouse in my garden its small and darts around is it likley to get into my house if i leave doors open it always comes at dusk ?

Hi foxyjilly and welcome to WAB

I think the simple answer is yes, it may enter your house if you leave the door open but there will probably more more potential access points than just the door.

Woodmice are great climbers. Vertical walls are usually no problem, walls with plants growing on them will be like inviting a burgular in by leaving a ladder against the wall and the window open!

They can get into cavity walls with impunity and are happy between joists and insulation. They can stash food in such places and sound like much larger animals when scurrying about on top of and below ceilings and roofs.

Foodstuffs, clothes and other items can be chewed and spoilt in much the same way as House Mice do. Wood Mice are active at night hence those large light gathering eyes although active less so in the daytime. We havea couple that emerge from a drystone wall and clean up under the bird table. They are very nervous in daylight and will scuttle back into the wall at any sign or sound.

Charming as they are in the right place, they can cause damage in the house so you might not want to give them the opportunity to get in via the door.

[foxyjilly]

Many Thanks there was one in my garage the other night !! Ran over my foot !! It went out under the garage door so we have removed all food and cleaned up there were no droppings or signs of chewing so we have sealed the door now and judt hope they stay outside