Baby Field Mouse or Vole?

[Ultrale]

Not sure if this is a field mouse or a vole that we have but we found it sitting in the middle of the lane this evening when we went out for a walk. It has hair and it's eyes are open but I think it can't be very old.

We put it under cover in the bushes and thought we would check on it on our way back. There it was again in the middle of the road! So we decided to bring it in and see if we could help the little fella. It seems very unsteady on it's feet though, much like a baby mouse would be I suppose but it is a bit disconcerting.

We tried some diluted lactose free milk and it seemed to take it..well some of it anyway. We also tried putting some chopped nuts and sunflower kernals in the box and it was trying to eat them although not very successfully.

At the moment it is snuggled up sound asleep. We have this soft toy called a huggle buddy which is filled with lavender and wheat and you heat it in the microwave. We heated it up a little and put it in the box and it seemed to like that. Kept looking for a teat I think.

Anyway, not sure if what we are doing is right or not but I do know it would not have stood a chance out on the road. It's a very quiet lane but we have Red Kites circling above and we also have two cats so it's chances were minimal to say the least.

Only thing now is I am not sure if it's a mouse or a vole. I have checked images on the web but I can't make up my mind what it is.

Any help or advice much appreciated.

Sasha

[Dogghound]

Can you post a photo?

[Farplace]

A vole will have a short nose and a short tail. A mouse - longer for both. However, a photo will help.
Best of luck with this little one.
Jan

[Ultrale]

Here's a photo of our little guest. I'm thinking it's a field mouse?

Also noticed only one eyes is open and he can't seem to sit properly, kind of wobbles about all the time, is that normal?

[Farplace]

It's a mouse - probably a field mouse. the wobbling and closed eye is not natural. Is the baby dehydrated? Does it have any injuries (puncture wounds?)
Is it eating ok? what is it eating?
try not to handle it unless you need to for medical purposes, as the stress can be detrimental.

EDIT - And keep it warm!

[Ultrale]

No wounds or injuries that we can see.

It tries to eat the chopped nuts and sunflower seeds but doesn't seem to be having much success with either. Any suggestions on what we should give it would be appreciated. Also should we cover him? We have a lot of strips of tissue paper in the box and the heated toy I mentioned earlier, will that be enough ?

I'm thinking maybe it might get too cold over night so that's a worry.

I suppose nature will take it's course but would be nice to help if we can.

[Farplace]

chopped nuts and sunflower seeds are ok. Mixed wild bird food will also be fine, as will chopped dried fruit & dried mealworms.

[~T~]

Looks to be a baby wood mouse. It does sound like you are doing everything right but as with young animals theres always a big chance they wont make it despite your best efforts. Rodents go downhill quick if they have any puncture wounds from cat attacks. It does seem to be almost weaned so offering a bit of milk and a bit of nuts/grains is your best bet. Maybe even something soft like some wholemeal bread soaked in milk?

Good luck and hope the little feller makes it

[Ultrale]

Thanks for all the replies

Will try the bread. The stuff we have also has seeds in it so that might be good. Will let you know how he is in the morning.