Mothers Day Mice

Mothers day can bring cards, flowers and chocolates but at Stapeley I received an un-traditional but some-what fitting for the day four baby wood mice. A member of public had found the nest in a tent whilst clearing out their garage to move home. Even though they were found inside they were easily identified as wood mice with their long back legs, mid brown coat colour and a white belly.  

I weighed each orphan and moved them into a new, luxury incubator with a towel. Once they had warmed up a little I gave them their first feed, a few drops each of a special milk formula, enough to just fill their tiny tummies.  They are now fed every 2 hours and after each meal are encouraged to go to the toilet - as unable to urinate or defecate without the assistance of their mother stimulating them. This is done with a damp cotton bud lightly and quickly wiping around the genitals. Not the nicest of jobs but there is a sense of achievement when you can get them to go! 

Despite their eyes still being closed they are still very fast and wriggly. Back in their incubator they snuggle up together and just like most babies nap until it is time for their next feed.  We will care for them until they are old enough and can be released at an appropriate site. Until then at least we do not have to cope with sleepless nights and tantrums! 

                                                   

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