What to feed a baby mouse?

Barrett · 08-27-2005, 11:38 PM

Bailey brought me a baby mouse today. I have no idea where she got it from so I can't find it's nest. It has grey fur but it's eyes and ears are not open yet. I assume it is about 2 weeks old? Does anyone know what type of formula I can feed it? I boiled some whole milk down to a skim and dipped the corner of a paper towel in it for the baby to suck on. He ( I'll call it a boy for now) gobbled it right down. He is surprisingly active. I hope I can keep him healthy enough to let him go in a few weeks. I put him in a little plastic box and put him under a lightbulb for warmth. Does anyone know what else I can do for him or how often I should feed? I know to rub him with a cotten ball to go to the bathroom...but what else?

Thanks,

Barrett

SalemWitchChild · 08-28-2005, 12:28 AM

I would think you need to feed him often (once every 2hrs) and of course keep him warm. I would research nutritional needs on the net or ask the vet in the morning about the types of formula.

Crossfire Bulldogs · 08-28-2005, 08:25 AM

Baby mice are fed and cared for in almost the very same way as young puppies but the feeding times are just a tad different.

For feeding usually it's every two hours for the first week of life plus at least two night feedings, at one to two weeks every three to four hours with at least one night feeding and two to three weeks every four to five hours with no night feedings. The best milk replacement for a small mouse is Esbilac puppy milk replacement with just a drop of live cultured plain yogurt to sustain the natural flora of the stomach and intestines. Use an eye dropper or small syringe for feeding.

Make a fluffy little bed and put a heating pad ( set on low ) half under and half off that bed for him to stay warm. In this case since you have a plastic container just lay it under the container in the same fashion. Make sure though that the container was never used for holding any type of chemical! Warming up a container that has can bring that chemical back to the surface in the form of gas and may kill the baby.

You've got the right idea on pottying and he should be pottied after every feeding. It also helps if you have a gram scale to chart his weight every day, he should always be gaining and if you notice he isn't then it is usually the first sign of illness when their that young. Contact your vet as well for a bottle of amoxi drops. Since he was brought in by the dog, by mouth, the little one may have the beginnings of an infection and antibiotics should be used as a preventative.

Hope this helps and good luck with Mickey!

Barrett · 08-28-2005, 11:13 AM

OK! Thanks Crossfire and Salem. I am doing everything right so far.

I bought some canned puppy formula last night and a tiny bottle. I gave him the formula every 1-2 hours and I fed him 4 times last night! LOL. The poor little guy has loose stools now so maybe I should dilute the formula for a while? I am probably trying to feed him too much so I will get in a schedule of every 3-4 hours today and twice in the night to see how that goes. I warmed the formula in a glass of hot water and he loves it. He actually grabs the nipple with his hands and sucks it down. I am going to take him to the vet this morning for a look over, age guess, weight, and hopefully get a syringe so I can tell how much he is eating. I just hope he opens his eyes soon. He crawls around the little container all blind...gosh he is cute! My husband groaned when I told him over the phone what I was doing...hee-hee...I bet he falls in love the moment he sees him when he comes home. I hope he is big enough to release when we go to Montana. I would love to think he is running around free and making children everytime we go to our favorite little camp sight. Everytime we see a little mouse we can wonder if he came from our little rescue guy. What fun!

Well I'm off to the vet..I'll let you know how he is doing in a little bit!

Barrett

Barrett · 08-28-2005, 12:52 PM

I got back from the vet just now. They gave me a syringe, some bene-bac, powdered cat formula ( more protien for the little guy) and a little plastic carrying cage with a lid...all for free. The vet said he is about 2 weeks old and might open his eyes any day now. The runny stools is probably from the new formula and he may get over it in a few days once he adjusts but it could also kill him too. The vet told me not to get my hopes up but I already now how it is and all I can do is try. We just have to wait and see how he does. I bought a fake cat toy mouse and put it in his cage as a sarrogate mommy for him. He is all snuggled up with it right now. I figured it might calm him down if he is scared. I took the thermometer off the side of my fish tank and put it on his cage. The temp reads between 80 and 84 degrees. I have his cage near a small heating lamp until I can find our heating pad. I guess thats about all I can do for now.

Pondwader · 08-28-2005, 12:54 PM

It may be able to start nibbling on seeds by now too. I used to have pet mice, they start running around and eating before their eyes open... maybe even just have some rodent food nearby if the baby decides to give it a try?

Barrett · 08-28-2005, 12:59 PM

I'll try that too. I have some chinchilla food I can crush down a bit. He does have tiny little teeth in front. I could put a yogurt drop in there for him to try too.

Crossfire Bulldogs · 08-28-2005, 02:40 PM

The Benebac can help with the loose stool as well. Hopefully he'll make it.

Barrett · 08-28-2005, 04:42 PM

Can I put the benebac in his food or try and get him to eat it by itself. I tried both but I don't know how much he is getting and I don't want to over do it. Should I try again in 3 days? He seems a little tired today and isn't moving around as much. He just clings to the toy mouse and sleeps. I hate to say but I don't think he is going to make it.

I will keep trying though. I named him Pipsqueak.

Barrett · 08-28-2005, 05:11 PM

Here are a few pictures of Pipsqueak

Crossfire Bulldogs · 08-28-2005, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barrett

Can I put the benebac in his food or try and get him to eat it by itself. I tried both but I don't know how much he is getting and I don't want to over do it. Should I try again in 3 days? He seems a little tired today and isn't moving around as much. He just clings to the toy mouse and sleeps. I hate to say but I don't think he is going to make it.

I will keep trying though. I named him Pipsqueak.

You can give the benebac either way. Better to give it by itself so you know he is actually getting it. If he isn't moving around as much he may need a bit more warmth. Have you gotten a heating pad for him yet?

Barrett · 08-28-2005, 09:25 PM

I got the heating pad under half of his container and he keeps crawling off into the cooler corner. I put a tea towel under the container to keep more of the heat away. He isn't breathing very well now and is making a gasping squeak every time he breaths. I tried to give him the benebac a few times but he really isn't eating very much now. If he is alive by morning and in the same condition I will take him to the vet and have him put to sleep. I think he is suffering now and I don't want to prolong his little life if he is in pain. I really tried my best but I think he is too young to survive without his Momma. Poor little Pipsqueak.

I can't believe how attached I became to the little guy in such a short time. My throat is a little tight just writing about him.

Crossfire Bulldogs · 08-28-2005, 10:26 PM

If he is crawling off then he is too hot. I'm sorry, it doesn't sound like he is going to make it.

Barrett · 08-29-2005, 12:36 AM

Little Pip died at 11:27 pm in my hands. I went out and bought some pedialite, hoping that might help him. He was looking perky after a few drops and he even drank some formula. He felt cold so I was holding him in my hands to warm him up a little and he just quit breathing. He might have had some internal injuries or something that I don't know about. Perhaps I aspirated him when I was feeding him and made him sick. Poor little guy. I have been trying to find his nest all day hoping to find his Mom. I crawled over every inch of my backyard on my hands and knees looking for her so I could give Pip back to her. I should have had him put to sleep when I took him to the vet today.

Giny · 08-29-2005, 05:01 AM

Aw, I'm sorry the little fellah died. You have a great heart, Barret. Not many would stop and help out a little wild mouse. In his little short life there was one special person who cared for him dearly. Thank you for that!

08-27-2005, 11:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
Barrett dachshund Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 2,758 Rep Power: 156	What to feed a baby mouse? Bailey brought me a baby mouse today. I have no idea where she got it from so I can't find it's nest. It has grey fur but it's eyes and ears are not open yet. I assume it is about 2 weeks old? Does anyone know what type of formula I can feed it? I boiled some whole milk down to a skim and dipped the corner of a paper towel in it for the baby to suck on. He ( I'll call it a boy for now) gobbled it right down. He is surprisingly active. I hope I can keep him healthy enough to let him go in a few weeks. I put him in a little plastic box and put him under a lightbulb for warmth. Does anyone know what else I can do for him or how often I should feed? I know to rub him with a cotten ball to go to the bathroom...but what else? Thanks, Barrett

08-28-2005, 12:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
SalemWitchChild Blue Merle Collie Mom Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Lawrenceburg, Ky Posts: 592 Rep Power: 86	I would think you need to feed him often (once every 2hrs) and of course keep him warm. I would research nutritional needs on the net or ask the vet in the morning about the types of formula.
	__________________

08-28-2005, 08:25 AM	#3 (permalink)
Crossfire Bulldogs Sourmug Mom Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Snuggled Between The Snorts & Snores. Posts: 7,844 Blog Entries: 3 Rep Power: 284	Baby mice are fed and cared for in almost the very same way as young puppies but the feeding times are just a tad different. For feeding usually it's every two hours for the first week of life plus at least two night feedings, at one to two weeks every three to four hours with at least one night feeding and two to three weeks every four to five hours with no night feedings. The best milk replacement for a small mouse is Esbilac puppy milk replacement with just a drop of live cultured plain yogurt to sustain the natural flora of the stomach and intestines. Use an eye dropper or small syringe for feeding. Make a fluffy little bed and put a heating pad ( set on low ) half under and half off that bed for him to stay warm. In this case since you have a plastic container just lay it under the container in the same fashion. Make sure though that the container was never used for holding any type of chemical! Warming up a container that has can bring that chemical back to the surface in the form of gas and may kill the baby. You've got the right idea on pottying and he should be pottied after every feeding. It also helps if you have a gram scale to chart his weight every day, he should always be gaining and if you notice he isn't then it is usually the first sign of illness when their that young. Contact your vet as well for a bottle of amoxi drops. Since he was brought in by the dog, by mouth, the little one may have the beginnings of an infection and antibiotics should be used as a preventative. Hope this helps and good luck with Mickey!
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief. ~ Gerry Spence As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

08-28-2005, 11:13 AM	#4 (permalink)
Barrett dachshund Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 2,758 Rep Power: 156	OK! Thanks Crossfire and Salem. I am doing everything right so far. I bought some canned puppy formula last night and a tiny bottle. I gave him the formula every 1-2 hours and I fed him 4 times last night! LOL. The poor little guy has loose stools now so maybe I should dilute the formula for a while? I am probably trying to feed him too much so I will get in a schedule of every 3-4 hours today and twice in the night to see how that goes. I warmed the formula in a glass of hot water and he loves it. He actually grabs the nipple with his hands and sucks it down. I am going to take him to the vet this morning for a look over, age guess, weight, and hopefully get a syringe so I can tell how much he is eating. I just hope he opens his eyes soon. He crawls around the little container all blind...gosh he is cute! My husband groaned when I told him over the phone what I was doing...hee-hee...I bet he falls in love the moment he sees him when he comes home. I hope he is big enough to release when we go to Montana. I would love to think he is running around free and making children everytime we go to our favorite little camp sight. Everytime we see a little mouse we can wonder if he came from our little rescue guy. What fun! Well I'm off to the vet..I'll let you know how he is doing in a little bit! Barrett
	Last edited by Barrett : 08-28-2005 at 11:21 AM.

08-28-2005, 12:52 PM	#5 (permalink)
Barrett dachshund Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 2,758 Rep Power: 156	I got back from the vet just now. They gave me a syringe, some bene-bac, powdered cat formula ( more protien for the little guy) and a little plastic carrying cage with a lid...all for free. The vet said he is about 2 weeks old and might open his eyes any day now. The runny stools is probably from the new formula and he may get over it in a few days once he adjusts but it could also kill him too. The vet told me not to get my hopes up but I already now how it is and all I can do is try. We just have to wait and see how he does. I bought a fake cat toy mouse and put it in his cage as a sarrogate mommy for him. He is all snuggled up with it right now. I figured it might calm him down if he is scared. I took the thermometer off the side of my fish tank and put it on his cage. The temp reads between 80 and 84 degrees. I have his cage near a small heating lamp until I can find our heating pad. I guess thats about all I can do for now.
	Last edited by Barrett : 08-28-2005 at 12:56 PM.

08-28-2005, 12:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
Pondwader Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ontario, Canda Posts: 335 Rep Power: 80	It may be able to start nibbling on seeds by now too. I used to have pet mice, they start running around and eating before their eyes open... maybe even just have some rodent food nearby if the baby decides to give it a try?

08-28-2005, 12:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
Barrett dachshund Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 2,758 Rep Power: 156	I'll try that too. I have some chinchilla food I can crush down a bit. He does have tiny little teeth in front. I could put a yogurt drop in there for him to try too.

08-28-2005, 02:40 PM	#8 (permalink)
Crossfire Bulldogs Sourmug Mom Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Snuggled Between The Snorts & Snores. Posts: 7,844 Blog Entries: 3 Rep Power: 284	The Benebac can help with the loose stool as well. Hopefully he'll make it.
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief. ~ Gerry Spence As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

08-28-2005, 04:42 PM	#9 (permalink)
Barrett dachshund Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 2,758 Rep Power: 156	Can I put the benebac in his food or try and get him to eat it by itself. I tried both but I don't know how much he is getting and I don't want to over do it. Should I try again in 3 days? He seems a little tired today and isn't moving around as much. He just clings to the toy mouse and sleeps. I hate to say but I don't think he is going to make it. I will keep trying though. I named him Pipsqueak.

08-28-2005, 05:11 PM	#10 (permalink)
Barrett dachshund Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 2,758 Rep Power: 156	Here are a few pictures of Pipsqueak

08-28-2005, 09:25 PM	#12 (permalink)
Barrett dachshund Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 2,758 Rep Power: 156	I got the heating pad under half of his container and he keeps crawling off into the cooler corner. I put a tea towel under the container to keep more of the heat away. He isn't breathing very well now and is making a gasping squeak every time he breaths. I tried to give him the benebac a few times but he really isn't eating very much now. If he is alive by morning and in the same condition I will take him to the vet and have him put to sleep. I think he is suffering now and I don't want to prolong his little life if he is in pain. I really tried my best but I think he is too young to survive without his Momma. Poor little Pipsqueak. I can't believe how attached I became to the little guy in such a short time. My throat is a little tight just writing about him.

08-28-2005, 10:26 PM	#13 (permalink)
Crossfire Bulldogs Sourmug Mom Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Snuggled Between The Snorts & Snores. Posts: 7,844 Blog Entries: 3 Rep Power: 284	If he is crawling off then he is too hot. I'm sorry, it doesn't sound like he is going to make it.
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief. ~ Gerry Spence As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

08-29-2005, 12:36 AM	#14 (permalink)
Barrett dachshund Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 2,758 Rep Power: 156	Little Pip died at 11:27 pm in my hands. I went out and bought some pedialite, hoping that might help him. He was looking perky after a few drops and he even drank some formula. He felt cold so I was holding him in my hands to warm him up a little and he just quit breathing. He might have had some internal injuries or something that I don't know about. Perhaps I aspirated him when I was feeding him and made him sick. Poor little guy. I have been trying to find his nest all day hoping to find his Mom. I crawled over every inch of my backyard on my hands and knees looking for her so I could give Pip back to her. I should have had him put to sleep when I took him to the vet today.
	Last edited by Barrett : 08-29-2005 at 12:48 AM.

08-29-2005, 05:01 AM	#15 (permalink)
Giny poodlez Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 1,010 Rep Power: 108	Aw, I'm sorry the little fellah died. You have a great heart, Barret. Not many would stop and help out a little wild mouse. In his little short life there was one special person who cared for him dearly. Thank you for that!

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