Found a mouse

[alisonclair]

Hello

Was just walking back from my allotment and came across this little fella, just sitting on the path. Didn't budge when I touched him, just sat there. No sign of any other mice. Anyway, lots of cats up there, so have bought him home. Can anyone tell me what kind of mouse he is, and what can I feed him? He doesn't appear injured, just very young, can't see any ears on him. A bit wary of just releasing him until I know he will run away.

Thanks

Alison

[Rambling Rob]

Hello Alison,

I wonder if it might be a young vole.

We used to have pet mice and they ate seeds - they especially liked pumpkin seeds I think, which were large flat white ones. You can find little bags of small mammal seed mixture in some corner shops. A jam jar lid makes an easy seed dish.

Good luck, Rob

[Jenny W]

Looks like a Bank/Field Vole (or suchlike!) to me due to the 'flatter' appearence of the face.

[alisonclair]

Well, I have a hedgehog house up at the allotment (never been occupied) so I have put him in there with some bedding. He was stressed in the plantpot, so I figured at least this way he has some protection until he gets back on his tiny feet. Have left a bit of food and some water also. I think he has been got by a cat upon second glance, as there is a little blood by where his ear should be. It doesn't look life threatening but for such a young small thing, I wonder if maybe he may just die of shock. Poor little thing. Will go and check on him later.

Thanks for your replies

Alison

[Pippa]

Fingers crossed for you both Alison.If it drinks, at least it stands a chance.Food can come tomorrow when it is more settled.

[Hedgehoggy]

Aaaw, what a cutie. Hope he survives. At least he'll be safe and warm in the hog box, Alison.


*Knowing about your madcap wildlife adventures, I was a bit surprised to hear that it wasn't convalescing in one of your pockets or down your top!!!! *

[alisonclair]

Just to let you know the poor little thing didn't survive. It was obviously traumatised. At least he died out of the reach of other predators.

[valleyforge]

Sorry to learn of the sad outcome.

These wee fellows are fairly robust, but the pasteurella bacteria present in the saliva of cats can very quickly overtake them if it gets into the bloodstream.

This is likely to have been a significant contributing factor in its demise, in addition to any other internal injuries sustained, despite the absence of obvious wounding.

I am afraid that what you did for him was probably as much as could be done.