Field Mice

Eleanor Warren · #1 (**permalink**) 03-10-2011, 03:45 PM

A field mice had 7 babies in our outside shed in a plastic feed bin but she died on Saturday due to the heat we think. We think the babies are about 2 weeks old, I have been doing my best to look after them we got a syringes from the vets cartons of baby formula milk and have giving them wet bread. One died this morning but it was very tiny the other ones seem to be doing OK and have put on a little bit of weight but they still only way between 3 to 5 grammes. I need to know when it would be ok to release them if they survive and that every thing i am doing is ok. Thanks for any advice. Eleanor.

2dogs2000 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-10-2011, 08:30 PM

Welcome to WAB. I am afraid I can't advise you but hopefully someone will be along soon to help you.

Eleanor Warren · #3 (**permalink**) 03-10-2011, 08:42 PM

Thanks for the reply I keep checking to see if anyone has replied as we want to make sure we are doing the right thing. I have checked previous listings on here about field mice but none state when we should release them how heavy they should be etc. I do know we have to have find some where near hedge row and away from cats but want to release them at the right time to ensure they have the best chance of survival. I will keep checking the replies, thanks again.

2dogs2000 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-10-2011, 10:38 PM

Just bumping this post up to see if anyone can help you.

Hedgehoggy · #5 (**permalink**) 03-10-2011, 10:48 PM

Hi Eleanor, Valleyforge has experience in successfully rearing orphaned Wood/Field mice, fingers crossed he reads this thread.

In the meantime, this link on 'feeding and caring for baby mammals (including toileting)' may help:

feeding mammals

Good luck, sounds like you're doing a fab job already

Eleanor Warren · #6 (**permalink**) 04-10-2011, 06:20 AM

Hi thanks for the reply, unfortunately another one died last night but again it was the smallest one and very weak. I have checked the site that you have recommended it has info on dormice but I presume the care will be the same as for field mice, we now know if they survive it will be 6 - 8 weeks before we can release them. We will keep looking for other info regarding what to put in the tank as not sure same will apply for field mice. Thanks again, Eleanor.

Hedgehoggy · #7 (**permalink**) 04-10-2011, 12:55 PM

Sorry to hear another one has died. The info for Wood mice (aka Field mice) is near the bottom of the page on that link (I've cut and pasted the info below):

Wood mice
If their eyes are shut they need feeding 2 hourly with esbilac milk.
Mix 1 part esbilac powder to 2 parts boiled water. Feed with a clean micro pipette or fine artist’s brush.

Babies are very wriggly and you may have to resort to letting them lick milk from your hand a drop at a time.
They do get rather sticky and will need wiping over with warm damp tissue and gently patting dry.
They are weaned on brown bread, apple, various small grains and seeds.
All animals in the process of being weaned need a small shallow bowl of water in their cage.
Mice need a small shallow lid holding a crumpled tissue soaked in water; it prevents them getting too wet or drowning.

Might be worth contacting your local wildlife hospital/rescue centre for specialist help and advice.

Eleanor Warren · #8 (**permalink**) 04-10-2011, 04:02 PM

Thanks for the advice, the other one's seem to be doing pretty well and from the advice you have given we are along the right tracks. My mum has agreed to put them in the airing cupboard so they are nice and warm

They are all pretty lively this afternoon, fingers crossed the rest will survive - thanks again, Eleanor