Wednesday, 24 July 2013

Woodmouse with babies - 3, 4 and then 5!!

Whilst most people are celebrating the birth of our Royal baby, here at Stapeley, we are rejoicing in the surprise arrival of four baby wood mice!!  

The mum-mouse arrived at Stapeley after an encounter with a cat, fortunately escaping relatively unscathed. After cleaning out her temporary home I mentioned to a colleague that this mouse was quite large...hmm, pregnant maybe, or just well fed!?!

The following day as I lifted her bedding, I was greeted with the sight of 3 squirming pink, naked babies!
Turns out she had actually had 4, but the 4th was well covered. A sign was immediately attached to her container reading ‘DO NOT DISTURB’.


Two hours later, another tiny pink mouse was admitted into the hospital and we put this alongside the new arrivals to see if mum would adopt it. There was a chance she would expel it from the nest, but we thought it was worth a try...


Yesterday we took a sneaky peek to see how the family were getting on and as the picture below shows all appear to be doing well :)  Will keep you posted on their progress. Would be fantastic if they all survive and get to be released in the near future....

By Lynsey Cale

Sponsors of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and Cattery
 To donate to Stapeley text and our orphans: STAP70 £2 or £5 to 70070

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