A female mouse can have between 3 and 14 babies (called pups) at a time, with most litters typically ranging from 6 to 8 pups
. The gestation period is about 19 to 21 days
. Mice can have multiple litters per year, commonly between 5 to 10 litters annually, meaning a single female mouse can produce roughly 25 to 60 offspring in a year, and potentially up to 300 over a 2-3 year lifespan indoors where conditions are favorable
. In summary:
- Litter size: 3 to 14 pups, average 6 to 8
- Litters per year: 5 to 10
- Annual offspring per female: approximately 25 to 60 pups
- Potential lifetime offspring: up to 300 pups indoors
This rapid reproduction is why mouse populations can grow quickly under suitable conditions