Mice don't have menopause like people do. They're fertile their entire lives, only less and less so as time goes on. There's always a chance than an older doe will become pregnant but it's greater at 14 months (for example) than 18 months. I had a mouse who was 14 months become pregnant at the beginning of this year.
Old Does and Infertility
Is there an age at which old does are no longer fertile? Is there any way to know for sure? I was wondering, because I've heard of people using older does to keep lone bucks company. My stud is tiny, and my buck is going to have to spend a while alone... Plus, my oldest doe, who's nearly two, doesn't seem to get on great with her cage mates. But I really don't want to put her through a litter, or any chance of one.
Any opinions?
Any opinions?
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My friend (who only has pet mice) ended up with an accidental litter when she got a "female" mouse to keep her elderly doe company. The elderly girl was 17 months old and raised a litter of 5 babies. So on that, I would be wary!
1 - 3 of 3 Posts
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