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About Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
Expertise
I'm an evolutionary biologist with a passion for animals. Ask about natural history, behavior, ecology, evolution. PLEASE NOTE:

If you have found an "orphaned" wild animal or bird:
Please don't waste time asking questions on the internet, as the answers may come too late. DO NOT FEED THE ANIMAL, and DO NOT HANDLE IT unless it is in imminent danger. (Many wild "orphans" are not orphans at all!) If you are absolutely sure it is orphaned, keep it warm and quiet, and find a LICENSED WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR HERE. Don't try to raise the baby yourself. Many a well-intentioned rescuer will do more harm than good, especially with baby birds and baby rabbits.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMALS
Without geographic location, time of day and habitat, I can't help. A clear picture is always best.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMAL SOUNDS
It's impossible for me to I.D. an animal call without hearing it myself.

COMPARATIVE STRENGTHS
I'm not an expert on comparative strengths of different animals (more complicated than you might think!) nor bite forces.

FIGHTING ANIMALS
I refuse to answer "Which of these two animals--X or X--would win in a fight?".

These hypothetical matchups range from impossible (Grizzly Bears and Gorillas don't even occupy the same continent.) to ridiculous (Someone asked me "Who would win a fight between a Great White Shark and a tiger?").

The vast majority of animals--even the fierce and powerful--are not as warlike as Homo sapiens, and it's childish to project our aggressiveness onto them.

Experience
I have been the fortunate caregiver to a group of Black-tailed Jackrabbits rescued from the Miami International Airport, and not releasable in this area because they are not native. I also have rehabbed and released Eastern Cottontails, and am in contact with many very experienced wildlife rescuers who regularly handle injured or orphaned rabbits and hares.

Organizations
House Rabbit Society

Publications
Exotic DVM journal

Education/Credentials
I have a Ph.D. in Biology, with main areas of expertise in evolutionary biology, genetics, botany, and ecology.

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Animals/Pets > Veterinary Medicine > Wild Animals > abandoned baby field mice

Wild Animals - abandoned baby field mice


Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 7/7/2009

Question
i want to feed them through a syringe, i know i should have to pick them up, on their back, while doing this, but i am afraid they might bite me. 2 have eyes open but 1 does not. they have had grass i put in thier temporary box. and they put the grass in their mouths. we put small pieces of cheese, apple, celery and carrots, but 1st thing is first.

Answer
Dear Chanel,

If the babies are very nervous, this might be difficult.  But raising orphaned field mice is not very different from raising baby domestic mice.  You can find instructions here:

http://www.thefunmouse.com/info/orphanedmice.cfm

If they are old enough to eat solids, it might be best not to force the milk, as the danger of aspiration might outweigh any benefit they could get from the milk.  But if they are still quite helpless, you might not have much choice.

Good luck!

Dana

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