How do you correctly breed rats? - briefly
Choose healthy, unrelated adults, keep them at 20‑22 °C with a 12‑hour light cycle and a balanced diet, monitor females for estrus, introduce a male for about 24 hours, then separate the pair once pregnancy is confirmed to reduce stress and ensure successful litters.
How do you correctly breed rats? - in detail
Successful rat propagation requires careful attention to genetics, environment, nutrition, and health management.
Select breeding pairs with complementary traits and no known hereditary defects. Use animals that are at least ten weeks old but not older than twelve months. Verify that both individuals are in good physical condition, free of respiratory or skin ailments, and have a proven reproductive history.
Provide a cage that offers at least 0.5 ft² per animal, with solid flooring, adequate ventilation, and a secure lid. Include nesting material such as shredded paper or cotton to encourage maternal behavior. Maintain a temperature of 68–75 °F and a humidity level of 40–60 %. Keep the light cycle at 12 hours on and 12 hours off to regulate hormonal cycles.
Feed a balanced diet formulated for breeding rodents, supplemented with fresh vegetables, protein sources, and calcium-rich treats. Ensure constant access to clean water. Increase caloric intake by 10–15 % during gestation and lactation.
The estrous cycle lasts four days; females become receptive to mating during proestrus and estrus. Pair the male and female for 24 hours, then separate to prevent over‑mating. Monitor for a copulatory plug or increased vaginal discharge as signs of successful insemination.
Gestation averages 21–23 days. Observe the female for nesting behavior around day 18 and provide additional bedding. Avoid handling the pregnant dam unless necessary, and keep the environment quiet.
At birth, litter size ranges from six to twelve pups. The mother will initially keep the pups hidden; limit disturbance for the first 48 hours. Check that each pup is nursing and gaining weight daily. Replace any deceased or weak offspring promptly to prevent disease spread.
Wean pups at 21 days, separating males and females into distinct cages to prevent premature breeding. Continue feeding a growth‑stage diet and monitor for signs of aggression or illness.
Maintain detailed records for each pair, including dates of pairing, birth, litter size, weaning weight, and any health issues. Conduct regular health screenings for common pathogens such as Mycoplasma pulmonis and send samples to a veterinary laboratory when abnormalities appear.
Implement a sanitation schedule: clean cages weekly, replace bedding, and disinfect equipment with a rodent‑safe solution. Rotate cages to reduce stress and limit the buildup of waste.
Address reproductive problems promptly. If a female fails to conceive after three cycles, evaluate hormonal balance, body condition, and possible infections. For male infertility, assess testicular size, sperm motility, and potential injuries.
By adhering to these protocols, breeders can achieve consistent, healthy litters and maintain a stable colony.