* Stress: Extreme stress due to overcrowding, lack of food, or environmental disturbance can trigger a mother mouse to harm her young. In these situations, the mother might see her pups as a burden she cannot support.
* Lack of Resources: If the mother lacks adequate food, water, or nesting materials, she might resort to infanticide to preserve her own energy and resources.
* Hormonal Imbalances: Some studies suggest that hormonal imbalances can contribute to infanticide in rodents.
* Malformations or Weak Pups: Sometimes, mother mice will kill deformed or weak pups that are unlikely to survive. This can be seen as a form of "natural selection" within the litter.
* Infanticide by Other Mice: Occasionally, other adult mice (males or females) might kill pups, often to eliminate competition for resources or to prevent the breeding of a rival female.
It's important to note that:
* Infanticide is not a common behavior in mice. Mothers generally nurture and protect their young.
* There are many other factors that can influence the survival of mouse pups besides infanticide, such as disease, predation, and environmental hazards.
If you're observing mouse behavior, it's crucial to understand the context and avoid making generalizations about their actions. If you have concerns about mice in your home, contacting a professional pest control service is the best course of action.