Wood Mouse

[toby99]

Hi - found a very tiny wood mouse. Eyes not fully open, but ears are huge. Does anyone know what I can feed it on? I have looked on wildlife sites and it says bulbs, insects etc, but I need to give something I can find in my fridge/cuboard now etc thanks

[tiggerblue10]

Do they eat seeds like sunflower or pumpkin?

[Ice.Maiden]

Awww! Well first of all, I suppose it depends on where/how you found this little mouse? If it's a baby, it needs to be near its mother so that it can suckle. If it was older, it'd be as tigger says - eating seeds, nuts, fruit, worms, insects, acorns, roots, etc., but because you says its eyes aren't fully open, I can't see why it should be away from the nest, unless picked up by a cat or other predator. x

[toby99]

Hi yes, cat brought it in, took couple of days to catch. It was so quick and fiesty but I am very concerned today as I don't think it has eaten anything - I have syringed some water down it, but it is now very quiet and easily picked up. Can't help but feel it needs mother's milk, but no way of finding it's nest. But would a baby,still on milk, be so fast and difficult to catch. It's eyes are shut, but I didn't think they were initially - anyone know where I would get lactose from if it turns out it does need milk?

[aka pixi]

aww toby that is so sweet of you. i have googled but only came up with this, http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_do_you_feed_a_w ild_baby_mouse_if_its_eyes_aren't_even_open_ye t

[Cetti]

How kind you are toby, but you must also prepare yourself for the worst as the odds are very low.

However, the good news is I found a similar case to yours on an American site and the solution was to feed the baby on puppy milk! In this case it worked, so here's to your little one thriving.

[Cetti]

Oh sorry, pixi, I should have read your link.
We found the same solution......puppy milk.

[toby99]

Hi thanks all. I rang the vets today and they said they couldn't help me with any feeding tips or lactose preparations! I don't know if it even needs milk - I don't think it will survive tonight. I thought the age of mice is determined by it's ears. This mouse has huge, sticking up ears, so in theory it can't really be a baby, but it's eyes are closed tight? It is just sitting there, quietly, breathing hard and puts up no resitence to being held (when giving fluids) It must be in shock. I have decided not to take it to the vet as they will only inject it with antibiotics or fluids in it's tummy, and I really don't think I can, or should, put it through that. Oh, I wish I wasn't so caring - I hate this!!!

[toby99]

Hi - Poor little thing has gone Thanks for your help.

[mandimoo]

aw, how sad. probly died of fright poor thing. i can just imagine it sitting there, eyes tight shut, thinking 'if i cant see them, they can see me"

[garner]

You did your best toby and thats the main thing,poor wee soul.He/she is at peace now.g.

[bensmum]

Poor little thing. It was lovely that you tried with it - I would have done the same - but realistically they don't generally survive.

[tiggerblue10]

Awww poor little thing. You did what you could Toby. Well done for trying. x

[Cetti]

Bless you toby for just caring. If only everyone was like you....