Late litters

[angieh]

Don't know if any of you have been watching Autumnwatch recently, but there was a spot where a young hedgehog was brought on the programme. Evidently, if hedgehogs are born late in the season they will never have the chance to reach a good weight to hibernate, and hence will not survive the winter. Any that are found are therefore kept in captivity and not allowed to hibernate to give them a chance to live.

Pip bought in the tiniest mouse this evening. He's bought a few in recently and OH thinks he's found a late nest. Poor little things will never survive, even without Pip's attentions.

Does anyone know whether these late litters happen in other wild mammals?

[lynz85]

i'm not really sure about mice, but as far as im aware, rats can have litters at any time of year. perhaps pip has come across the nest or babies are just starting to venture out?