Help Friendly Mouse

hazham · #1 (**permalink**) 14-10-2007, 08:06 PM

hi can anyone help me ,today i found a mouse ,it came across my patio in the middle of the day but it was dragging its hind legs behind it
it didnt seem to mind coming right up to me almost
and was quite happy to sit and eat a bit of bread while i watched
i am worried that it didnt imediatly run away from me and only showed any concern when i tried to catch it i have it in a big clear box for now
my hubby says i should let nature take its course but my killer cat will have it in seconds as i say it isnt showing normal behavour but is eating well
what should i do ?
hazel

JP · #2 (**permalink**) 14-10-2007, 09:02 PM

As with fostering any wild animal Hazel all you can do is your best, Mice expecially ones which have recieved major trauma as the one you have come across are usually short lived as they die of shock before injury usually, what you are doing is a noble thing and to keep a strong and hopefull heart is all you can do at this time, if it is dragging its hind quarters i would say it has been subject to a feline attack as if it had been a bird of prey or other natural preditor chances are it would not be in your presence now as cats tend to mostly play with their prey and in doing so cause injury of this kind, keeping it warm and in darkness to minimise the shock and offering it food is about all that can be done, keep an eye on it and expect the worse is the advice i would tend to give, good luck ....

hazham · #3 (**permalink**) 14-10-2007, 10:37 PM

i am saddened at your reply , but will do as you advise and see how he or she fairs , if it does survive , do you think it would be cruel to try to keep it, as i said it has eaten and is quite active
thank you
hazel

Blackbrook Eye · #4 (**permalink**) 14-10-2007, 11:32 PM

As you say that it has a badly injured rear end, even in the unlikely event it survives, it would stand little chance if you released it anyway, so I would think it stood a better chance if you tried to keep it and it will make you feel better knowing that you tried. At this stage I cant see that cruelty is an issue, seeing what it has already suffered.
Can I say welcome to the WAB site, from me. All the very best, Keith B

naturelover · #5 (**permalink**) 14-10-2007, 11:45 PM

hazel you are doing the right thing by keeping it inside your home,there is no way it would servive out side,it wouldnt be able to get away from a preditor so what ever happens good luck and welcome to wab.

hazham · #6 (**permalink**) 15-10-2007, 09:47 AM

hi everyone
i thank you for your replies as yet the little mouse is still with us so it has survived the night
i see this as a good sign and i think i will get a proper cage for him and see how he goes
thanx again
hazel

JP · #7 (**permalink**) 15-10-2007, 09:49 AM

Well done Hazel

Meles meles · #8 (**permalink**) 15-10-2007, 11:28 AM

Sounds like you are doing the right thing. If you was too let it out now, doesnt sound like he would last long.

Look forward to some updates

Dogghound · #9 (**permalink**) 15-10-2007, 11:34 AM

Possibly already met the cat if its been damaged like you say. Careful with you cage they are great at escaping.

hazham · #10 (**permalink**) 16-10-2007, 11:09 AM

hi everyone
just to let you know that the mouse is still going strong
ive bought him a little cage but have still put the whole thing inside the clear box
Dogghound i took on board your advice about possible escape so hopefully hes secure enough
I was wondering what sort of mouse he is , hes quite a dark brown colour
he is keeping a very low profile and is asleep in a toilet roll most of the time
which makes me ask should he be hibernating now ? and if so will he be ok
if he doesnt and just feeds as normal?
i have him in the spare room and pretty much just leave him alone so not to stress him
well thats all for now
thanx to all again
hazel