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My mouse is pregnant. How do I prepare her cage for the babies?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Female | unspayed

My white mice is pregnant and soon to give birth,now aside from having the males separated, *how should I prepare the cage for the babies i.e. the bedding and using which materials*?And after the babies have been born,other than keeping them in a calm and quite environment,it's important for their environment to be not too bright,am I correct?Also,they shouldn't be disturbed other than for filling the water and food , right?And they should be kept only with their mother until they're old enough?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 3rd, 2017

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You are correct in planning for the arrival of the pups. I recommend separating the male as soon as you are sure that the female is pregnant, because females can get pregnant again very shortly after giving birth. It is important to keep the pups quiet and calm, to prevent the mother from eating them when stressed. You should also not touch the pups until they are about 14 days old. There are several types of nesting material available in pet stores, or you could use pieces of paperCut up into small strips. The pups should be separated from their mother when they are about 14 to 21 days old. At this point they should be able to eat normal adult mouse food. I hope this helps and I’m happy to answer any additional questions you may have!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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