Question about weaning

OK, I checked the new FAQ and didn't see anything specifically for mice.

I had an unexpected litter three weeks ago today. I have now learned that what I "thought" were hoppers in the past, were not! LOL They've got springs in their legs.

So, momma looks so weary, but I haven't witnessed any of the babies eating her food or drinking water yet, but they are active and nibbling at things and hopping all over the place, but all rush to the nest for the chance to nurse if momma looks willing.

At what age do I "rescue" momma (ie, separate them from mom)? All seven are fat and sassy! LOL

I've got another mom to be about to drop any day now! When Sullivan refused to feed on her, I noticed that she "might" be pregnant and decided to let her deliver and raise her babies.

I guess these two mommas are my "test" mommas to see if I "really" want to raise my own feeders or not.

It has been quite fascinating watching these babies evolve from the day they were born to where they are now! Karl doesn't think I'll feed them off! LOL I don't have any plans to keep them, all I see is "cool! that's seven mice I don't have to buy now!"

I have, however grown a great respect for this young momma - so feeding her off may be tough. Maybe I'll give her a rest and let her breed again after a few weeks rest since she's such a good momma!

I never could find an exact time to wean mice either when I started, but I seem to do it when they start running around the cage (like madness, LOL) and nibbling stuff. It seems like momma nibbles food and leaves it around the tub for them, so actually seeing them eat at the food dish is rare for me. Usually when they look like they are bouncing off the walls I just pull them. LOL!! I think it ends up being about 4 weeks like rats.

Oh the poor, poor momma! Another week with these little scoundrels! (although they are adorable little scoundrels)!

As far as I know Robin, and not being very successful when I tried to breed the little squeakers, it's pretty much the same as with rats. I did a bit of googling and it does seem around the same timelines. The babies should start nibbling mums food and trying her water bottle at about 2.5 to 3 weeks. They'll still swarm her for nursing though. You can wean them anytime after 3.5 to 4 weeks of age depending on if they are of a good size or gradually wean them like Bdadawg does with his rats (4th to 5th week remove mom for gradually longer periods from her litter).

If you want to give momma mouse a break you could put a small kleenex box or something in there that she can jump into or on to but the babies aren't big enough yet to follow and bug her to nurse them.