Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi
I have got two female mice their dad mated with them when they were four weeks old they have just giving birth to nine young each they are now seven weeks olds is this unusual. She came from a litter of three. Their dad as never attempted to mate with any of his offspring until they were about eight weeks old.

Ian

Ian
It is not our of the question, I'm not surprised that a mature male may try to mate with a young female. (look at people for that matter) I am a little surprised that a 4 week female was fertile. That seems a little early to me.
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Wade's Weptiles & Wodents

Female mice typically become sexually mature around 4-5 weeks of age. Having a randy male around can trigger esterus earlier than normal. It is always best to separate all males from the females (or females from the males) by the time they are 4 weeks old to prevent early pregnancies. Mice should really only be mated when they are 6 weeks old or older to ensure they have reached nearly their full growth (8 weeks would be better).

Gestation for mice is about 21 days and females go into esterus almost immediately after birth so if the male is left in with her, she will become pregnant within 24 hours of giving birth.

Hi
Thanks for the replys.

Ian