Field Mice

[dieselthedemon]

Just found a field mouse in one of my potato grow bags.

Was just lifting some potatoes from one of my potato grow sacks to find a field mouse halfway down the soil.

Needless to say the mouse took off, thought to myself odd but never really thought anything about it until I seen the baby mice. Do you think the mouse will return to her young? feeling bad about disturbing them, but had no way of knowing they would be nesting in the grow sacks.

Anyone else encountered this?

Do you think my other grow sacks could have mice nesting in them, there is another 20-odd to empty.

[quark1]

If you're feeling kindly towards this tiny little creature (which I personally love!) then by all means leave the sack for a day or two.

However - I should warn you that when I kept mice as a youngster and inadvertantly disturbed the nesting box when the babes had been born the mother to my horror was eating them next time I looked in. They were very new and what is described as 'pinkies' and I think my hand must have just brushed them.

Unfortunately the likelihood of the mother returning is remote and should she 'smell' a foreign hand has touched her brood she may well cannibalise them. If they are a little more advanced (with fur and eyes open) she may return to attempt to move them.

Don't beat yourself up over this - I'm sure that many have had the unfortunate co-incidence of disturbing a nest in the past and will again in the future. Just give them a chance of a couple of days or take them on thereafter if you feel able. Otherwise this I'm afraid is one of mother nature's more sad facts of life.

[dieselthedemon]

Thank you for the response. I think I will leave them for a couple of days and see what happens.

Do you think I will find the same in other sacks?

[quark1]

Diesel - if you need a few spuds for a dinner try the sacks furthest away first.

I guess it is entirely possible that you may find another family in residence.

Personally have never had such a find and we live opposite open fields. Have often seen field mice in garden and the cats gets the odd one or two. Some can be released unharmed but I have a lethal huntess in my trio - her mum by contrast is the gentlest soul.

For future reference if you are asking Q's about 'growing' gardening issues it may be useful for you to place your general area in your profile so that the advice can be tailored to your location etc.