To ask for help to hand raise a baby mouse?

[BubblesPip]

So I found a teeny baby mouse in my garden today, eyes closed, hobbling about and waited for hours with no Mum in sight
So he’s now indoors with me, being fed kitten formula every 2 hours atm
Aibu to ask for help?

I have no idea but I'd want to help it too.

Any pics?

I guess a box with lid with holes in and some warmth.. hot water bottle wrapped in fleece?

Hi, roughly where do you live? Smalls, especially very young, can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. If there are any wildlife rescues (note wildlife not cat/dog/rabbit rehoming) near you they may be able to take him and provide care until releasing into the wild

You'll need to stimulate it to go to the toilet by gently rubbing it's genitals with a bit of damp cotton wool

He/she is teeny tiny. I’ve got a heat lamp positioned above the box, far enough away that it’s just giving off a little bit of heat.
I’m guessing he’s about a week old, maybe slightly older.

I’m in Suffolk, I’ve tried finding somewhere for help but haven’t been successful as yet.

There’s some really good YouTube tutorials (aren’t there always!).
Top tip - use a paint brush to feed the kitten milk

This thread has made me cry. This is evidence of the fact I am too pregnant I think 😂

But honestly, what a lovely thing to do. I hope little mousey is okay.

www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org - they may be able to help.

If not then near me are an organisation called tiggywinkles who take in hedgehogs and other smalls - and although it would be too far for you to actually go there and admit the mouse they might be able to offer some good advice over the phone on what to do (they’ve always been so helpful with me when I’ve found various creatures that need help).

People do keep nice as pets, so I’m sure pets at home or any other pet shop will have mice supplies - worth a chat with them too

He is adorable!

So much cruelty in the world, lovely to hear of someone helping a small fury like this. Hope he thrives OP.

I've successfully hand reared mice smaller than this. It's not too far off its eyes opening by the look of it but it does look a bit skinny. Yes you need to feed it Lactol and stimulate it to go to the loo by rubbing its bits and bum with a damp cotton bud (mimics the mum cleaning it). At that age I'd leave some food and water in its cage while its in there as it will start nibbling solids soon even if not weaned. Go for a mix of oats, bird seed and dry dog food if you can (the pre-made rodent mixes are shit). Go for a water bottle to eliminate the risk of drowning/tipping the bowl over and not having access to water.

once it is big enough, give it a lift to a field at least a mile from any houses. Because they are starting to come inside as the weather cools and in my house (and many others) that won't end well.

I don't appreciate scuttling noises at 4am, sorry.

Thank you all for your advice and lovely comments My family think I’m bonkers, it’s always me who comes across these poor animals!

Pseudo How often do you think I should be giving the formula? I was told every hour by the wildlife people Have you been able to release the mice you’ve raised or has this been impossible? I’m trying not to think too far ahead, but I’m hoping this little one makes it through.

From memory every 2 hours worked fine. The ones I reared weren't wild, they were bred by me but rejected by mum/her milk dried up (hard to know which), so I obviously kept them rather than release. How are they doing?

Would your bra be good for warmth and comfort??

Oh wow Pseudo, well done you! I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to handrear a whole litter. Just the one is very time consuming.
He refused his last feed, but he seems to have lots of energy and keeps trying to jump out of my hands He hasn’t pooed yet though which is worrying me, but is weeing lots.

I'm crying here as well and I don't even have the excuse of being pregnant.
To say he's ridiculously adorable doesn't even begin to cover it. Couldn't you just sqeeeeeze and eat him all up.
Have you checked for anymore babies.

Are you not worried about the older mice who are obviously close by...

What about bedding. I think cotton wool or shredded toilet roll is okay.

I think it’s a baby rat 🐀
I’ve found a nest of baby rats before and took them to a wildlife sanctuary . Had to ring quite a few before I found one who wouldn’t kill them.

It's lovely to hear you're looking after this little fellow op. I was late for work today, because I stopped to rescue a baby snail that was crawling very slowly across the busy car park! I would have to help this little mouse too. Hope he/ she will be ok.

Aww!

You need a name.

Mickey?

for you op. I've had a pretty shitty day but your kindness and care for this baby animal has made me smile

Awwww lovely!