Mouse Reproduction
Females produce pheromones that attract the attention of males. After sensing the female's hormones, the male mouse emits an ultrasonic mating call. Mating calls differ from specimen to specimen, with each sound being as distinct as its owner. Females are also capable of producing ultrasonic sound, although not in relation to mating. Mice can be identified by these ultrasonic sounds.
A female mouse produces between five and eight offspring after mating. Although females are protective of their young, some also consume their offspring if exposed to high stress such as famine.
Mice breed continually, regardless of season and climate. They reach sexual maturity 35 days after birth. Some specimens are capable of breeding at six weeks. Mice tend to live for approximately one year.
