Need help with baby mice

[gfespencer]

We have 5 baby mice that just opened their eyes about 3 days ago. An outdoor cat inadvertently got in the house, and while we were away, tore into the mouse cage. When we got home, the mama had disappeared without a trace. The babies were frightened but unharmed. We think perhaps the mama is hiding and will come out at some point. But until she does, or if she doesn't, can the babies survive? How can they be cared for?

[JenniferAlexis]

If you want to save the lives of those babies, you have to act fast. I had a situation similar to yours. I don't mean to be rude, but the mommy mouse is probably gone. To look, you should go around your house, room by room, and close the doors behind you. In rooms with holes in the floor/wall, leave some food near it. If you havent found the mommy mouse by then, you have to become the mummy. Note that once you touch the babies, your scent will be left on them, and their mother will NOT take them as her own. Be extremely cautious! If you decide that you need to give up with the mom, you need to start with the babies. You hafta get a tiny dropper/syringe (without the needle point!). Start with an infant milk simulant, such as the ones commonly used for newborn babies. Do NOT use the soy-milk type. Mix the stuff with milk, use homo. milk, and warm it up before feeing. Slowly start trying to GENTLY feed the babies. Don't give up! They won't take it at first, and it will take a lot of time. If they will not eat after a few hours, you may have to resort to force-feeding to keep them alive. Their jaws and bones have not fully formed at this point, so be extremely cautious in your attempt. Keep the babies warm by using a heat lamp and small blanket, and provide bedding. They'll usually huddle together. After all this, expect for some of them not to make it. The stress, along with their young age can be fatal. The key is warmth, and available food. Good luck.


P.S, as a side note, a mother will NEVER leave her babies. Most likely, the cat got to her, though she may be still alive. In my opinion, your best option is to start feeding the babies..

[kristy15]

I would feed them (KMR) kitten milk replacement with a eye dropper or syringe. And keep them warm with bedding. You could put a heating pad under the tank like half way set on low, dont let it get to warm though. I hope they make it, good luck :)