heater care tips article
 

Comfort Zone Infrared Heater Review

February 16, 2012

I recently had a chance to discuss the features of the Comfort Zone Infrared Heater with a close friend who has been using one for the past few months in his home, and I’d like to share with you some of his comments. We talked about the energy efficiency of the Infrared Heater, the overall performance of the unit and some of his favorite features.

My friend was very happy with his Comfort Zone Infrared Heater purchase, and has grown accustomed to the lowered heating costs that came as a result of having one of these units in his home. His Comfort Zone consumes less energy than a standard heater would require to heat the same amount of area he has it placed in, and it also heats the area more effectively. It is this combination of efficient energy consumption and effective heating that make the Comfort Zone Infrared Heater such a great commodity.

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Overall, the Comfort Zone has been performing great for my friend. It has not required any maintenance, and continues to provide warm comforting heat all day long. Comfort Zone Infrared Heaters are designed to produce 14% more heat than other models available, and are also rated to last for up 20,000 hours of use. My friend describes the type of heat the unit provides as quite soothing, like a warm blanket covering the entire area. This is because Infrared Heaters do not burn Oxygen in the air, or affect humidity levels. They heat by transferring their thermal energy to their surroundings, thus comfortably increasing the ambient temperature.

The Infrared Heater comes standard with many features like a full electronic thermostat, a delayed start function and a fully functional remote control. My friend loves the fact that he can pinpoint the exact temperature he would like his home to be, and have the Infrared Heater heat it to the exact degree. The thermostat is accurate enough to determine a room’s temperature within 1 degree.

The Comfort Zone has been a great addition to my friend’s home, and he recommends the product to anyone looking for a cost effective, and energy efficient form of heating. The Infrared Heater also provides peace of mind with its exceptional Nationwide Service Plan.

Comfort Zone Infrared Heater Review


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Cichlid Fish

February 16, 2012

Cichlid fish are incredibly popular for aquarists due to how easy they are to take care of. Cichlid adapt quite well in the aquarium despite the fact that they come from Asian countries. There are hundreds of cichlid types with most of them brightly colored and therefore, incredibly entertaining when inside the aquarium. These fishes are classified into three types namely the Central and North American cichlids, African cichlids and South American cichlids.

Characteristics

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As mentioned before, Cichlid fish are among the brightest freshwater fishes today. In most cases, however, it is the male that are garbed in the most colorful scales in an effort to attract a mater. Alpha fishes or those that are dominant in the group also have brighter colors while, in contrast, the submissive cichlid carries less bright colors. What is important to note is that cichlids can be extremely aggressive fishes, especially to those that do not belong in their group. In some cases, they may even attack a fellow cichlid if it enters their territory. This fish group can grow from 2.5 centimeters to 1 meter in length depending on the specific specie.

Taking Care of a Cichlid

As mentioned, this fish type is highly adaptable and is, therefore, easy to take care of. It is important to note though that since they are territorial, it would be a good idea not to combine them with other fish types at first. Choosing cichlids that are roughly the same size would also help temper their need to establish who the most dominant fish is.

Basically, the temperature in the tank should be around 74 degrees Fahrenheit to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Experienced aquarists know that it is important to keep a heater with the fish to ensure that the water remains at a specific temperature. In some cases, even a thermometer is placed with the aquarium for constant monitoring. Cooler temperatures tend to make the fish less aggressive, therefore ensuring that none of them will start killing each other.

The next consideration should be the pH level in the tank. Specifically, it should be alkaline as this is the original level in their natural habitat. Make sure that the pH stays within 7.5 to 8.5. The substrate or flooring used in the tank will also have an impact on the pH level of the water. Some of the most popular materials used include gravel, sand and stones.

Lighting and tank maintenance should also be kept in check. The good news is that cichlid are not very picky when it comes to lighting and are quite happy with a fluorescent light to imitate their natural habitat. As for maintenance, a pump and filtration device are often enough to prevent the tank from getting dirty. Note that the pump bought depends on the size of the tank.

Of course, those aren’t the only considerations when taking care of cichlids. Breeders need to take more factors in mind to ensure that their Cichlid fish stay healthy. Knowing the specific cichlid specie is also crucial when determining their diet. This is because some of these fishes are carnivorous and would require a combination of flake and live foods in their diet.

Cichlid Fish


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Car Heater Not Working – Blowing Cold Air!

February 16, 2012

There are several reasons why your car’s heater may be blowing cold air, instead of heat. It is important to understand how the heater works in your car before you can begin to try to diagnose why it is not working. First, there is NOT an electric heater element in the heater system in automobiles, like in portable heaters used in the home. The part that transfers heat into the passenger compartment is called a heater core. A heater core can be thought of as a miniature radiator. The car engine’s coolant flows through the heater core while the fan (also called a blower), blows air through the heater core fins. When air blows through the heater core fins, it is warmed, therefore warming the passenger compartment.

Start by checking the coolant. As we already said coolant is what warms the heater core. So if the coolant is low, there may not be a sufficient amount of warmth to transfer heat to the air in the passenger compartment. Since it ‘s cold outside, low coolant may not effect the operating temperature of the engine significantly, so you won’t be alerted to a coolant problem by the temperature gage on the instrument panel. Once the coolant is full, feel the heater hoses that go through the firewall. With the engine at normal operating temperature, BOTH of the heater hoses should be hot to the touch. If only one is hot, this indicates there is is a blockage in the heater core or there is air trapped in the heater core. Using a Lisle coolant funnel is helpful in purging the air from the cooling system. If the coolant is really brown, has been neglected, or if “stop leak” has been used at some point, the heater core could be stopped up. The blockage can sometimes be unstopped by removing the heater hoses and using a garden hose with a sprayer to flush the heater core out. If neither of the hoses are hot to the touch, there could also be a malfunctioning heater control valve, if used on the model you’re working on. Check for presence of a heater control valve by following the heater hoses back to the engine. Sometimes, a vacuum line could have a break causing there to be no vacuum to operate the valve. Also it should be noted that if this is your first winter with this car (and you’re unfamiliar with the car’s repair history), the previous owner could have by-passed the heater core because of a leak. When a heater core leaks, usually they wet the passenger side floorboard. The labor cost to change heater cores is usually expensive, so sometimes people will loop the heater hoses and by-pass a leaking heater core instead of repairing it properly.

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Next check for proper airflow. After you’re sure the heater core is getting hot water flow, read the following information. Doors within the heater case are either controlled by electric actuators, cables or vacuum motors. Adjust the heat control to both extremes while listening for movement of the blend door. With a cable operated heater door it’s easiest to hear the door thump when it closes. If the door is not operating, find the door that controls the airflow across the heater core. If there is an electric motor that controls the door, tapping on it can sometimes make it work temporarily for testing purposes. A vacuum operated motor needs vacuum to work, so using a handheld vacuum pump for testing is usually recommended. If the vacuum motor does not hold vacuum, the diaphragm is leaking requiring replacement. To go deeper into diagnoses of the control head’s function and diagnosis, specific vehicle repair manual information is needed. But hopefully the basics laid out in this article has helped to get you started on the right track. 

Car Heater Not Working – Blowing Cold Air!


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How to Ease the Aches and Pains of Cold Weather

February 16, 2012

Winter is upon us again and most of the country is covered in layers of freezing snow. Some folks know winter is here because they can see the snow through their window or hear about it on the news, but some of us know winters is coming long before it arrives. We can predict the cold because our joints and body ache like the devil and old injuries that we barely remember come back to haunt us.

Whether you have arthritis, sinusitis, fibromyalgia, carpel tunnel syndrome or just a bad knee from that fall you took off grandma’s porch 30 years ago, winter can be a time to cringe in pain rather than binge on eggnog. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to ease the aches of cold weather pain.

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It may sound like common sense, but it bears repeating. The best way to avoid cold-related aches and pains is to stay warm. Dress warmly, even when you’re inside the house, and plug in that electric blanket and heater. You can also turn your house’s heating system up or buy one of those snug new blanket-robes. When dressing to keep warm, you should also remember that several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one overlarge jacket or sweater. By keeping your body warm, your joints won’t stiffen up and hurt. Warm muscles and joints are a less likely to snap or spasm which can lead to new injuries and renewed pain.

Another way to combat winter-related joint pain is to drink sufficient fluids to keep your body properly hydrated. Dehydration can cause muscle cramps, lethargy and general muscle soreness. Those over 65 should take particular care to drink enough as seniors are more affected by dehydration than others. Even better, you can drink a hot beverage such as decaffeinated tea to stay warm and hydrated at the same time

When choosing your beverages, be careful to avoid caffeine. Restricted blood flow or poor circulation can bring on debilitating joint diseases including Reynaud’s Phenomenon, where fingers and toes become numb and turn blue. Two of the many substances that cause blood to flow less freely are caffeine and nicotine. Reducing, or eliminating, your intake of both substances will reduce the chances of developing major joint pain. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea and most sodas and nicotine, in tobacco.

Another way to keep your muscles and joints warm and flexible would be to plan, and stick to, a regular exercise routine. The advantages of exercising include increased joint mobility and muscle strength and the maintenance of a healthy level of bone density. If you don’t usually exercise, then start slowly with a relatively mild routine before moving on to something more strenuous. Another option would be to become a member of the local YMCA or gym and take advantage of the exercise equipment and personal trainers that these places offer.

The best treatment for any pain is prevention. If you suffer from joint, back or neck pain then regular visits to a chiropractor can do wonders to keep winter aches and pains at bay. Spinal manipulation and other chiropractic techniques may help by treating your specific conditions that are aggravated by the cold each year.

Cold and humid weather has been scientifically proven to worsen the symptoms of several disorders and to aggravate old injuries. However, contrary to some beliefs, winter aches and pains are not something that you must “learn to live with.” Your chiropractor can determine a course of treatment and make recommendations to ease the pain and may have your muscles feeling like Spring again.

How to Ease the Aches and Pains of Cold Weather


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Infrared Sauna Review

February 16, 2012

Saunas have been perceived to be an item of luxury. And the other reason that they have gained attention is the role that they are capable of playing when it comes to weight loss. Interestingly, the new-age infrared saunas are way better compared to the classic old steam saunas when it comes to any of the above.

Let us review the key aspects you should look into while buying your sauna. Interestingly in each of these cases, an infrared sauna works way better than a conventional steam sauna. The list of aspects follows.

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· Detoxification: This is the single-most important aspect of a sauna that you should look into. The better the detoxification capabilities, the better off you would be with your sauna. The detoxification aspect is related to the stress relief aspect described subsequently.

· Weight loss: According to Guyton’s textbook of Medical Physiology, 1 gram of sweat needs 0.568 kilo calories to produce. With a good infrared sauna, an average sauna user can produce 500 grams of sweat. A therapeutic session thus is capable or burning around 350 calories. This is equivalent to running a couple of miles or more. Infrared saunas also help your body to get rid of cellulite. Cellulite is a substance generated by the body fat cells, water and wastes. So sauna weight loss is not “water loss” as perceived by many, it is real weight loss if you use the right kind of infrared saunas.

· Pain relief: Infrared saunas lead to pain relief. The infrared energy can penetrate up to 1.5 inches inside our muscle tissues. Interestingly, almost 95% of this energy is absorbed through the skin. As a result, the blood circulation dynamics are positively affected, leading to reduction and even elimination of painful conditions such as Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Evidence has been found through studies that with the right kind of infrared sauna, the injury healing is quickened if the heat is applied 24-48 hours post-injury.

· Stress relief: Some top-quality saunas, especially the one mentioned at the end of this article (explore the resource link given in the last line of the article to find more), are equipped with Carbon 360 far infrared technology or its equivalent. This calls for improved blood circulation and quick stress relief. In other words, you get better refreshed in some saunas compared to others, and the best refreshment comes if your sauna has the Carbon 360 or equivalent technology incorporated.

· Safety: This is important – you would want a sauna which is shock-proof with ample guarantee, no matter what the manufacturer claims. I strongly recommend you never buy a sauna that is not certified by an authority. An ETL-certified sauna, for example, is a perfectly safe one to use and is on the top of my list of recommendations. ETL stands for Electrical Testing Laboratories.

Yes, to make sure that you are getting the best from your sauna, it is exactly the above five aspects that you should concentrate on, though I can think of a lot of other benefits that you get from a sauna.

And I have seen such huge lists of benefits and features on a number of websites, with none really telling you what are the actual aspects you, as a user of sauna, should really care about.

If you are planning to buy a sauna, I recommend that you go for carbon-based infrared saunas. Avoid ceramic saunas and avoid steam saunas – strictly. I know it may mean a couple of hundred extra bucks, but then, if that is difficult for you then I believe not owning a sauna at all is a better option.

Infrared Sauna Review


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How to Grow and Care For a Heather Plant

February 16, 2012

Heather plants are hardy, colorful, low-growing perennial shrubs native to the heaths, moors, and woodlands or Europe and Asia Minor. Well suited to marginal pastures, heathers are low-maintenance plants that can thrive in acidic soil with little fertilizer in and near-drought conditions.

The evergreen plants provide year-round displays of color from flowers and leaves. Depending on the type of heather plant, the flowers bloom between July and November and come in pink, lavender, white, magenta, amethyst, purple and red. If a gardener plans it right, a field full of different types of heather will remain colorful for a longtime, with new plants blooming just when others begin to fade.

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Just as important as flower color is the foliage color, which can be found in pink, red, copper, bronze, gold, silvery gray, and every shade of green imaginable. They keep their color though the winter, breaking up the dreary tans and browns of winter landscapes.

CLIMATE: The colder, damper climates of the New England and the Pacific Northwest are well suited to growing heather, however, and gardeners in the northern Midwest, Great Plains, and Rocky Mountain areas should have fair success.

SOIL: The heather plant will do just fine in rocky soil, making them good candidates for coastal hillsides where few plants grow. Slightly acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 – 5.5 will work well for this plant.

SUN: As a general guideline, heather plants should get four to six hours of sunlight daily. So it is best to plant it in a place with enough sunlight throughout the year. The more sunshine this plant receives, the brighter are its leaves and flowers. Not enough sun will cause the plant to look leggy and dull.

SPACING: When you are ready to start growing a heather plant, consider the space a mature plant needs to fully develop. On average, these plants grow up to twenty inches tall and three feet wide.

PLANTING: The best time to plant the heather is in the spring or beginning of fall. Seed, division and cuttings can start new heather plants. If starting by cuttings, the best time to take them is in summer when the wood is half-ripe.

WATERING: After getting the plants into the ground, water them until the ground is moist. Follow this watering ritual twice a week for a few months. As with most plants, do not over water them. If the soil remains too wet the plant will suffer and possibly die.

The heather plant is hardy and resistant to insects, common diseases, and small burrowing rodents.

How to Grow and Care For a Heather Plant


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Ceramic Vs Carbon Infrared Saunas – Know Which is Better

February 16, 2012

Before choosing to buy an infrared sauna based on size, style, and price, make sure to consider the heating element used. It can be difficult to tell the real differences between ceramic and carbon infrared saunas, and even more difficult to judge which is better.

Infrared saunas are an innovative new way to get all the healthy and long-lasting benefits of a sauna. Instead of sitting in stifling hot air in an enclosed room like in a traditional Finnish or steam sauna, infrared saunas use infrared radiation to safely and efficiently to help participants work up a healthy sweat. Infrared is very similar to sunlight, of course without the harmful ultraviolet rays.

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There are many types of infrared saunas available for people who wish to enjoy them for their own use. Some public areas, such as spas and health clubs, are now adding infrared saunas to their traditional steam saunas. Infrared saunas can also be purchased over the Internet and pieced together at home. Home infrared saunas come in varying sizes, shapes, and styles. They are constructed with different types of wood. Even smaller portable models that easy fold up and wheel out of the way are now on the market. Whatever model suits you, one of the most important considerations for your home infrared sauna is the type of heating element used.

Many infrared saunas are outfitted with several thin, flat carbon fiber panels at varying locations in the sauna to distribute a uniform infrared heat. They are sometimes enclosed in fiberglass for protection and covering. Carbon panels are slightly flexible and therefore less likely to break in transit to your home sauna. Because of their flat, wide shape, they are capable of having a very large surface area which is important for a quality infrared sauna heating element.

Ceramic sheets, like carbon fiber sheets, have a large surface area and are built into the inner walls of a sauna on all sides. Ceramic is rather delicate so care must be used in shipping and handling the material prior to installation in your sauna. They are generally more expensive than carbon fiber heaters, but proponents say that they deliver true far infrared radiation whereas carbon panels only heat up and deliver simple radiant heat. This can induce perspiration, but doesn’t give you the same soft tissue benefits as ceramic heaters.

It is important to know that some Internet websites will compare carbon sheets to ceramic rods, which is like comparing apples to oranges. Rods are going to be more inefficient than plates or sheets, no matter what they are made out of. Rods have a smaller surface area and will require a higher surface temperature to run, so they will be worse than both carbon and ceramic plates. Keep that in mind when looking at information about carbon versus ceramic heating elements.

By now you’re probably confused because the pros and cons of both carbon fiber and ceramic sound awfully similar. Though ceramic does have a slightly higher emissivity (ability to radiate infrared), it is not significantly higher than those of carbon sheets. In general, ceramics are regarded as superior. But in truth, the material of construction doesn’t matter as much as the surface temperature and the surface area of a particular model of heater.

Of course, considerations like your budget and your personal sense of style will influence your decision in which home sauna to buy. But don’t neglect considering the type of heating element used. It is a very important choice and can’t be underestimated.

Ceramic Vs Carbon Infrared Saunas – Know Which is Better


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Comfort Zone Vs EdenPure Infrared Heater Review

February 16, 2012

I am often asked which Infrared Heater is better, the Comfort Zone, or the EdenPure, and the answer is always a tricky one. Neither one completely blows the other out of the competition, but there are some minor differences between both units that deserve being mentioned.

The Comfort Zone Infrared Heater performs better than the EdenPure in the area of heat diffusion and operating life time. The Comfort Zone Infrared Heaters have a new heat diffuser made of stainless steel that is capable of producing 14% more heat than its competitors. Comfort Zones are also designed to last longer because of their unique infrared heating technology. It boasts up to a 20,000 hour life span before a replacement could be necessary. The EdenPure though, uses standard infrared bulbs that are only rated at a 5,000 hour operating lifetime.

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A similarity that both the Comfort Zone and EdenPure share is the type of heat exchanger each unit has installed. They both use solid copper heater exchangers that enhance the absorption of infrared heat. This copper exchanger converts the infrared waves into a bandwidth of 9-10 microns through a process of copper ionization. This bandwidth is the optimum level for maximum heat absorption.

The Comfort Zone provides healthier heat. What this means is that Comfort Zone Infrared Heaters do not burn any oxygen, or affect humidity levels during operation. Most standard electric heaters can emit harmful byproducts and produce uncomfortable heat. The Comfort Zone though, provides a gentle type of heat that stays consistent from floor to ceiling.

Both units come with a fully functional remote and thermostat, and diffuse their heat with the help of an internal fan. Comfort Zone Infrared Heaters use a Dual DC fan system that is much quieter in comparison others. This is an important aspect of an appliance you will be operating in your home for an extended period of time.

In terms of pricing, the Comfort Zone comes out to be more expensive. The highest price Comfort Zones are approximately 400-500 dollars, while the most expensive EdenPures are in the 300-400 dollar price range. Both units however, share a similar price tag in their lower priced models of around 300-350 dollars.

In conclusion, both of these Infrared Heaters would make great additions to your home, but it is important to weigh the options and make an informed decision. The Comfort Zone , while offering slightly better functionality, comes at a slightly higher price. I have found that when purchasing an item such as this, it is important to look for the best quality product that you can comfortably afford. This decision will pay off in the long run in terms of maintenance fees and repairs.

Comfort Zone Vs EdenPure Infrared Heater Review


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Signs That You Need a New Water Heater For Your Home

February 16, 2012

Many individuals are curious as to when do you need a new water heater. There are actually many indications that a hot water heater needs to be replaced. One of the most common signs, or actually the most common sign, is that the water does not heat as rapidly as it once did, or it fails to heat the water at all.

However, if you notice that it is getting colder outside when this occurs, it may be a matter of simply having to turn up the heat setting on the tank. In many cases, cooler weather may result in the heater having to work harder to maintain the same temperature that it did in the warmer months. If you find that the adjustment fails to work, you may be in need of a new system.

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The next indication that you can use to determine you need a new water heater is that there is an actual leak on the tank itself. If you find that there is a small drip, you may be able to repair the leak. However, there are some cases in which there will be a seam leak that is caused by damage, rust, or weatherization, and these are really difficult to repair. If a seam leak is responsible for that water coming out of the system, it is definitely time to make some repairs.

If you find that you simply have to patch the unit, be sure to keep a watch on the tank over time in case the patch comes off. In some cases, the area of the leak may be able to be welded. I suggest that if you try this step, you have it professionally done so that there is no chance of further damage.

The next thing that you should consider if you are asking the question of when do you need a new water heater is the age of the system that you have in your home. These units are designed to last an average of one to one and a half decades.

If your unit is older than this, age may be starting to take its toll. It may be time to purchase a new heater, if nothing else, for the sake of efficiency. If you are looking at age as a determining factor of when to buy a new hot water heater, you may also want to examine the pipes that come from the unit.

Signs That You Need a New Water Heater For Your Home


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Care of Wild Baby Mice

February 16, 2012

If for some reason wild baby mice have been placed in your care, I have included a few tips on caring and feeding to help you give them a chance at life. Please be aware that even in the wild, mice have a 50% chance of surviving beyond 5 months of age, given a normal upbringing. The mice that do make it can live up to around 5 years if healthy. A pair will have a better chance of survival than a lone mouse.

As soon as you have your baby mice, it is important to keep them safe and warm. You can use a small pet carrier, large plastic tub or any other suitable box in which you can put them. Layer the bottom with a towel and place the mice on top. Then, use another soft material to lightly cover the mice like fleece. Place the box in a warm place, ensuring that it isn’t hot; otherwise the mice will become dehydrated. A heater on the lowest setting may be all that is needed. Test the towel the mice are laying on so that it feels cosy and warm to your hand.

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If the baby mice are less than 14 days old they will need dropper fed with a milk substitute until they are weaned. They usually open their eyes when they are just about weaned and able to eat by themselves. You will need to feed them every 2 hours so be prepared to get up during the night. Set your alarm. When I was looking after wild mice, I was getting up every 2 hours to check them. I have since read that during the night mother mouse would be away looking for food and may only return to the nest once to feed her babies. Use common sense, if you can manage a few night feeds, all the best for the babies chance of survival, especially in the early days.

Kitten milk is available to buy at pet shops. I used raw coconut blended up and strained. It should be 1 cup coconut to about 2 and ½ cups water. You could also use soaked almonds to make an almond milk using the same ratios. Make sure the nuts are natural and plain. Once you’ve made up the milk, store in a sterilised glass jar and keep in the fridge until required. When you go to feed the mice, take a quarter a cup of the milk and warm it up by pouring it in a small jug and standing in hot water. Use a dropper or baby syringe (you can get these at the chemist) to feed 1 or 2 drops of the milk at a time into the baby mouse mouth. When the mice are really young, they might not open their mouth. Be careful not to get the milk up their noses, they will splutter/cough if you do. It can be dangerous for their health if you do. The way I fed the mice was to put a facecloth down on a table and to put one mouse at a time onto it. Then you can gently hold the baby’s head whilst you administer the milk with the dropper. You’ll get the hang of it with a bit of practise. The baby might not seem to be taking much milk, don’t worry. Very young babies may only need to get a drop or 2 on their mouth/tongues until they can take more. The main purpose here is to keep them hydrated with a little drop at a time every couple of hours.

Once the baby is fed, you need to stimulate a bowel movement. To do this, put some warm water in a small bowl and dip a cotton bud into it. Then, put the cotton bud between the baby’s back legs and gently turn the bud around. You should see a little brown staining, that is their poo. Dip the other end of the bud into the water and gently stroke the baby’s body, this emulates the mother licking them. After all that, tuck baby up in it’s soft bedding and place in a warm spot. This is the basic routine that needs to be repeated every couple of hours during the day and at least 2-3 times during the night, especially around 1am and 5am.

As you can see, it’s quite a commitment, looking after baby wild mice. But, there is also a great reward in the caring of them and the bonding you will feel as a carer.

When the babies start to open their eyes or at least take a peak, they may be taking a lot more milk and starting to walk around a little. This is when you need to be extra careful; one fall is enough to be fatal. You can make a little safe roaming area in the bottom part of a pet cage or shoebox/basin. Line it with newspaper and leaves to simulate a natural environment. The youngsters will enjoy stretching their legs and taking their first steps. This is important, as it will build up their muscles and strength.

Once the babies start to bite your fingers quite firmly when you feed them, they may be ready for a little solid food. They will also be starting to open their eyes (12-14 days old) Start very slowly with this. Try some baby fruit puree to start or natural rice pudding. The food should not be chilled. Let them lick it off your finger. Avoid putting the purees onto a dish for the mice to feed from, as they might get messy and end up with matted fur, which needs to be avoided. Some other foods to graduate to are porridge, banana, tomato, dried oat flakes, strawberry. Just go real easy with the food and keep it simple and easily digested to start with. Congratulations! You’ve actually made it to the weaning stage, which is quite something with wild baby mice.

Continue to provide a safe space for the mice to sleep and once weaned, they will be able to come out at night to feed. Give them a little dish near their bed so they can feed during the night. At least you can get some sleep now! Continue to offer the milk during the day and provide some water for them. Usually, wild mice will still have some mothers milk up to about 4 weeks of age.

Now you have to decide whether to keep them or release into the wild. I don’t know how many mice have been successfully hand-reared and released into the wild. I would think it unlikely that they can survive. However, you’ve done your bit and if they seem strong and healthy and quite active, it might be possible to release them. Or, you can keep them as pets.

Finally, if you did your best and the mice died, don’t feel bad. Survival chances in the best of conditions i.e. with their natural mother are still low. Just enjoy the experience you’ve had with them and the opportunity to get a glimpse into their little lives. They are little bundles of love and it is wonderful to have at least given them some love when otherwise they might have perished.

Care of Wild Baby Mice


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