* Mating and Gestation: Mice are very fertile and have a short gestation period (around 19-21 days). A female mouse can get pregnant again very soon after giving birth. This means it's common for a litter of babies to be born while the mother is still pregnant with another litter.
* Nesting Habits: Mice are solitary creatures, except during mating. They typically establish their own territories, and it's rare for two adults to share a nest, especially with newborns.
* Competition: Having multiple adult mice in one nest can lead to competition for food and resources, and even aggression.
What you might be seeing:
* Multiple litters: It's possible that you're seeing multiple litters of baby mice, each with a mother present.
* Different stages of development: You might be seeing a mother with her young babies, and a pregnant female who will soon give birth.
If you're concerned about mice in your home:
* Identify the source: Look for signs of entry points, such as gaps in walls or cracks in the foundation.
* Prevent access: Seal up any openings and consider using mouse traps or repellents.
* Contact a professional: If you're unable to get rid of the mice yourself, a pest control company can help.