Friday, April 29, 2005

Rem

Last Friday after getting home from work, I discovered that Rem, the mother of our six baby mice, had died.

Rem
Rem: ~2004 to April 22, 2005

We first met Rem in October of last year, when she took part in a metabolic rate experiment in my lab. We noticed she was pregnant, and brought her home so she could give birth in peace. She quickly charmed us into making her a member of the family, spawning a long series of blog posts in the process.

Back in January Rem fell ill, but quickly recovered, and had been doing fine since then. Even the day before she died, Rem appeared healthy and attentive, and was chewing on the cage as usual.

I found Rem already dead, lying on her side in the bedding. There were no injuries, her fur was clean and well-groomed, and she was as plump as ever. I have no idea why she died.

Here's to the mouse who opened my eyes to mice, and who trusted us to handle her babies while she hunted for sunflower seeds in the egg-carton maze on our dining room table.

Mom mouse playing

1 comment:

Radagast said...

Importing comments:

Radagast
Wow, two years later ... I think that might be a record!

One thing I've found for egg cartons is that we have to open them up for the mice to figure out that they can get inside. Once we tear even a tiny hole, they have a blast customizing the interior
April 18, 2007, 11:27:34 PM PDT – Like – Reply

James H
2 years Later:

Hi there,
I keep chickens which lay eggs so egg cartons are often around. My mice love exploring new toys - so why the heck have I never thought of the egg cartons for mouse toys. Grad student CE's are a bit slow I guess. Mice make surprisingly interesting pets. Their individuality and inquisitive nature I selfishly use as a detractant and foil to the pressures of life. The little beggars don't live forever- you know it, but still when they go you find that little life has become a part of you. Cheers.

Very Ancient Grad student CSU Fort Collins
April 15, 2007, 10:23:28 AM PDT – Like – Reply

Amanda
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that! I so enjoyed following the story of your mice. Poor Rem.
May 2, 2005, 1:20:22 PM PDT