Yes, mice will eat seedlings - you wouldn't be the first growing in a garage or basement to lose their seedlings to a mouse :)

WELL! Am I surprised! And I was so darned nice to that mouse, too, letting it have all the sunflower seeds it wanted! Such a sap - but I learn quickly. Thanks for your help.

I just lost every single coleus sprout I had to mice in my basement. I went down to check my beautiful, expensive, diverse collection of sprouts, and they were all decapitated. And sitting happily under the warm lights was the furry culprit, staring back at me. I think the mouse was frozen with fear, since it sat perfectly still. When I came back with mouse traps, it was gone. I did trap three over night, and I plan to keep the traps up for the winter. Now I just need to decide whether to buy more coleus seeds or not. I've certainly got enough time. I just don't want to lose another batch to the rodents. Maybe I could rig up a screen covering to keep the mice out. Any suggestions?

Martha