Is my mouse pregnant or just fat?

by April Sat 10 Apr 2021, 10:02 pm

I just recently got Petunia and I've noticed that she's shaped a bit differently than the other two. (A little bit of a pear shape) How does one tell the difference anyways? I haven't owned female mice before so im a bit confused. If she is pregnant is it okay to keep her with her roommates or should I keep her separate? Also sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong place! I'm new and haven't really figured it out yet lol. https://i.servimg.com/u/f33/20/32/83/35/20210411.jpg

by ApricotWinter Sun 11 Apr 2021, 10:18 am

She looks more chunky than pregnant, brindle mice are very prone to being chunky. She might just be gorging on the new yummy food you are giving her! Try to limit fatty treats, and put a wheel in her enclosure! I might be wrong though. @Peachy @Dee67 or @River are usually really good at these things!

by River Sun 11 Apr 2021, 12:05 pm

I'm not sure! I've only had one brindle and she was fat all the way around. Laughing

I'm sure Peachy will know as she has had pregnant (and chubby, I'm sure) mice in the past.

by Peachy Wed 14 Apr 2021, 11:19 am

She looks like she’s young and filling out. At this point I wouldn’t bet she’s pregnant, but I’ve had mice who never looked pregnant suddenly have babies. Looking at their belly from the side can also help you figure out how their shape may be changing, but the best way to tell is to wait 23 days from the day you brought her home.

If she does have babies, separating or keeping her with friends is your choice as long as you’re certain they’re all female. If her roommates are nervous or they do a lot of bickering it may be best to separate, but mice often help the mother mouse care for the babies.