Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone...Well I finally have my first litter of mice or maybe two litters. I have no clue actually because it seems like both females are taking care of the babies and I counted about 5 yesterday and about 9 today. Well I would say the babies were born yesterday (monday) but I need to clean them on Friday morning. Should I hold off a few days extra to avoid cannibalism and should I grab the pinkies out of the cage by hand? Any suggestion would be appreciated. Thanks-ELvy

The mothers will help each other with the litters even if the babies are not theirs. They will swap babies back and forth and feed everyone in thier pile. That usually is not a problem and is normal.

I don't worry about the litters when it is cleaning time. I move the adults out first into a clean cage and then the babies. If you put something special in the cage like a handful of corn or a bread crust that will help to take mom's attention off the move. Otherwise just try to make it smooth and fast and you won't have a problem.

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Wade's Weptiles & Wodents

For first time mothers I would recommend waiting 2-3 days after birth before cleaning. Some mothers may get all stressed and eat their babies..I never had this problem with my mice yet but from what I heard, once the pinkies are a few days old, they are less likely to be eaten by the parents.

Besides putting a treat in to distract them as was already suggested, I have also found that by putting some of the old nesting material in the same area that they had the nest in before has drastically reduced their rushing around with babies in tow looking for the scent of their old nest. When really young I'll even cover them completely with the old litter. Hope this helps.

MissHissss