how long does it take for a mouse to give birth?

[sapphire_moon]

Ok, one of my female mice are/is/in the process of giving birth. I heard strange TINY squeaks, and went to check. I seen one baby, COMPLETELY cleaned, the other 3 mice were all gathered around still, and she still seems to be HUGE.

I know that my rats took about 1-1.5 hours to give birth to the entire litter.

So what is the normal amount of time for her to give birth to her entire litter?

Thanks in advance!

[Cruciform]

Of the two I have only one has had a real litter yet. The other has had a single baby.

The one with the 8 little hoppers running around took the better part of an afternoon to get them all out. About 4 or 5 hours I'd say, maybe more. This is only her second litter. I don't know if they get faster with each litter or not.

[sapphire_moon]

wow, really! I thought they would/should only take a couple of hours. So far she has only had 4, eaten the head of one, and just bit the other one to death, I've removed those ones. I guess I will just see how the other mouses birthing goes.

[jjnnbns]

just adding another question on the time thing, how long does a female carry her babies before they are born usually?

[annieb_mice]

Gestation period for a mouse is between 19 - 21 days, sometimes longer if you are breeding back to back. I have had female mice pregnant for 30 days with no problems, but this is rare.
The amount of time it takes for "labour" depends on whether this is her first litter or not. If this is her first, it could take several hours, if she has had a few litters already it may take around an hour.
Also... are you certain SHE is the one killing the babies? Or could this be from another female? If it is the mother, she could be lacking protein and adding a good protein source, like egg or some cooked meat. If she isn't getting enough protein in her diet, she will eat the young to fill that need. If you disturb her too much, she may feel threatened and kill the young.
When the female starts to give birth, it is best to leave her alone. Generally, with the exception of checking food and water, I leave the females alone for the first day after birthing. If you are in need of pinkies, wait at least a few hours after she has finished, then take what you need.
Take care and good luck... :)
Annie B. <:3 )~~

[sapphire_moon]

I'm pretty sure it was her, they were still in the nest, it is her first litter, so I was expecting her to kill a few.

How much protiene should a pregnant/lactating mother mouse have?

it is her first "litter"

[annieb_mice]

<< How much protiene should a pregnant/lactating mother mouse have? >>

*** Each breeder has their own opinion, but I try to make sure they get between 17% - 20% protein while they are pregnant and/or nursing <which for my mice can be both at the same time>. I have tried a lower amount and found that I have more cannibalisms and such. This is just my experience. I think the lab blocks or rodent blocks have between 15% - 17% protein in them, but I could be wrong... I prefer not to use them.
Take care
Annie B. <:3 )~~