12 day old baby field mouse help

[valleyforge]

It depends on what kind of squeak it is making ... if it's a long, high pitched squeal, then that indicates distress, fear, or pain.

If it's making soft, short, chirping squeaks then that's a vocalization used to bond with its parent/siblings and to gain reassurance ... if you hear that, talk very softly to it until it falls asleep.

Babies, of all species, need to feel safe and assured. Inevitably, when hand-rearing a mammal like this, some bonding with the surrogate parent is necessary for its proper mental and physical well-being.

Have you been able to get any milk replacement powder yet? Your local vet surgery should be able to sell you some for kittens, puppies or lambs, if your pet shop doesn't stock it. Failing that, try contacting your nearest wildlife rescue organisation (one that looks after hedgehogs or bats would be ideal) to enquire if they can let you have some.

If that doesn't work, try your yellow pages for local dog/cat breeders, and as a last resort you could also contact the RSPCA/SSPCA/USPCA (depending on where you live) ... all of those should carry stocks of suitable milk replacement powder.

[stevet95]

Ok thanks, we'll start bonding.

I will give the vets a call.

Whats the difference between carton and powder?

cheers

[valleyforge]

Originally Posted by stevet95

Whats the difference between carton and powder?

Cat or kitten milk as sold in supermarkets or some pet shops, is a low-lactose food supplement which is altogether more suitable for these pets than is cow's milk (which it's marketed to replace) ... it is NOT suitable even for these animals less than 6 weeks of age (and should say so on the packaging).

The milk replacement powders are however formulated to contain the correct balance of nutrients that new-born mammals need.

You need to mix the powder (follow instructions on the box/tin) with boiled water and then let it cool to body temperature before feeding.

It is easier to make enough mix for a 12 hours period and keep the remainder in the fridge, warming it again to body temperature for successive feeds ... but make a fresh batch every day/night.

[stevet95]

It's better with its own kind if its got the chance isn't it? Some brothers and sisters.

[valleyforge]

Originally Posted by stevet95

It's better with its own kind if its got the chance isn't it? Some brothers and sisters.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by that ... but if you are suggesting putting it into a nest of mice that you have come across, that's a really bad idea after it has been handled by a human ... it's very unlikely to be accepted, and you may cause the whole nest to be abandoned too.

If however, you've found a rehabilitator who's already hand rearing other field/wood mice, then yes, they'd be better raised together.

[stevet95]

Yeah, I've found someone to take care of it. Bit hard to let go of it because I can look after it fine but I'm away this weekend so it's for the best.

[valleyforge]

Hope it works out OK.

[stevet95]

Dropped it off this evening. I may have it back later on but I'll see how it gets on for now.