How do you breed rats? - briefly
Select healthy, unrelated adults, provide a spacious cage with nesting material, and maintain a 12‑hour light cycle and temperature around 20‑24 °C. Pair a male with one or two females, monitor for pregnancy after 21 days, and separate the newborns once they are weaned at three weeks.
How do you breed rats? - in detail
Successful rat propagation begins with selecting healthy, genetically compatible pairs. Choose individuals free of visible lesions, respiratory issues, or abnormal behavior. Verify that the chosen male and female belong to the same strain and possess complementary traits to avoid inbreeding depression.
Provide a secure, well‑ventilated enclosure. Minimum floor space per adult rat is 0.5 ft²; a breeding cage should accommodate the pair and their future litter. Use solid flooring with a layer of absorbent bedding, such as paper pulp, to reduce ammonia buildup. Maintain temperature between 65–75 °F and humidity around 50 %. Install a nesting box with soft material for the female to construct a nest.
Feed a balanced diet rich in protein, calcium, and essential vitamins. Offer a commercial rodent pelleted mix supplemented with fresh vegetables and occasional boiled egg or low‑fat cheese. Ensure constant access to clean water.
Monitor the estrous cycle. Female rats exhibit a 4‑day cycle; receptivity peaks during proestrus. Introduce the male to the female’s cage for 12–24 hours when she shows a swollen vulva and lordosis. Observe mating behavior; successful copulation typically lasts 5–10 seconds. Record the date of pairing; gestation averages 21–23 days.
During gestation, increase caloric intake by 10–15 % and provide additional nesting material. Avoid handling the pregnant female unless necessary, and keep the environment quiet to reduce stress.
At parturition, the female will produce a litter of 6–12 pups. Do not disturb the nest for the first 24 hours. Afterward, check that each pup is nursing and gaining weight. Begin supplemental feeding with softened pellets at 10 days, while continuing maternal care.
Wean pups at 21 days. Separate males and females to prevent premature breeding. Assign each weaned rat a unique identifier and document lineage, health status, and any observed traits. Maintain records for future breeding decisions and genetic management.
Regular health assessments, clean housing, and consistent nutrition are essential for reliable production of healthy offspring.