Baby mice

[treepixie]

i have found 3 baby mice wandering about in the garden, one has its eyes open, the other 2 dont, they are eating and moving about well, so i would hope that they are going to open their eyes soon, they are about 3cm long.

my question is, when it comes to releasing them, i dont want to let them go in the garden as the cat will get them

is it ok to take them to a different location to release

[Dogghound]

Yes you can release them in other suitable habitat. Depending what species they are might alter what habitat you release them in. Are they eating solids? This is unusual if the eyes are not open? They usually open their eyes around two weeks and are weaned around three weeks old (depending on species).

[treepixie]

i think they are field mice, and yes they are eating solids

[Dogghound]

Have they got hair?

[treepixie]

yes, they are fully formed apart from the eyes being closed,do you think this could be a birth defect

[Dogghound]

How long are they? from nose to base of the tail. They should be able to open their eyes however when young, they often keep them closed. Do they move around with their eyes shut?

[treepixie]

i have just measured them and they are 4cm long, and they do look like they are moving around with their eyes closed, but are finding the food ok

[Dogghound]

They sound very young, their eyes will most likely be open they just keep them closed as they develop. They will still be sensitive, seem abit young to be weaned but if eating solids and drinking then they should soon grow. You are best releasing them in about 3 weeks (or when you think they are ready). An area of undergrowth with bramble, dense vegetation, logs. Woodland edge, wasteland, the base of a large hedgerow etc would be perfect.

[treepixie]

Many thanks for all the help

[treepixie]

just to report that all 3 are doing well, and now have their eyes open