Is my Mouse getting ready to have babies?

Question

I got 2 female mice 2 1/2 weeks ago tomorrow.  One of the mice looked chubby when we got them home and I have been keeping an eye on her but she hasn't changed in her appearance where she would be obviously pregnant.  I've read that mice have a gestation period of up to 21 days and I figured she must not be pregnant since she hadn't had babies or shown any signs that she was about to have babies, however this morning her behavior is different.  She is wide awake and she was literally jumping straight up in the air.  I also noticed that she is taking her bedding and shoving it in her igloo.  Does this mean that she is making a nest and is about to have babies or is this a false nest?  I cleaned the cage just in case, is there anything else anyone would suggest?  Also, if you think she's going to have babies, do you know when I should expect her to have them with the signs that she is showing?  Thanks in advance for any suggestions or advice.

Monk · Accepted Answer

stop feeding it so much, it's just getting fat/lazy.

kaymuhr · Answer

Don't worry about the jumping straight up in the air - that sounds like 'popcorning' and is something young mice do and the nesting is also something she would do regardless.

Mice don't tend to show their pregnancy until a few days before they give birth - they then start looking a bit like they've swallowed a golf ball! You need to check the sex of both mice, as if your other one is a male then she could get pregnant again pretty much as soon as she gives birth.

I'd recommend posting your question, and a piccy of your girl, on these forums http://www.allaboutmice.co.uk/forum/ they are very friendly and have some really knowledgeable people on there.

In the meantime its worth giving your mice extra protein just in case (things like  shaw's egg biscuit, scrambled egg, and porridge) and obviously keep a close eye on them :)

? · Answer

Maybe yes.

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Is my Mouse getting ready to have babies?

3 Answers