How do you wean a rat? - briefly
Begin weaning at about three weeks old by providing softened pellets or grain mixed with water alongside the dam’s milk. Increase the amount and frequency of solid food over several days until the pups rely entirely on the solid diet.
How do you wean a rat? - in detail
Weaning a juvenile rat requires a systematic reduction of maternal milk while introducing solid food and ensuring nutritional adequacy.
Begin at 21 days of age. At this point, pups can grasp and chew. Offer a small amount of softened laboratory rodent chow or high‑protein pellets moistened with water or diluted formula. Place the food in a shallow dish to allow easy access. Monitor each animal for consumption; if a pup does not eat, gently stimulate by tapping the dish or offering a droplet of formula on the nose.
Progress over the next 3–4 days:
- Increase the proportion of solid feed daily, reducing supplemental formula by 25 % each day.
- Provide fresh water in a bottle or sipper tube; ensure the bottle tip is low enough for a young rat to reach.
- Maintain a stable cage temperature (22‑24 °C) to prevent stress that could reduce appetite.
By day 28, most juveniles should be fully consuming solid diet. At this stage:
- Remove any remaining formula.
- Verify that each rat gains weight consistently (≈ 5 g per week).
- Observe fecal consistency; firm, brown pellets indicate proper digestion.
Health checks are essential throughout:
- Examine teeth for proper eruption; incisors should be sharp and aligned.
- Check for signs of dehydration (skin tenting, sunken eyes) and intervene promptly.
- Record any signs of gastrointestinal distress (diarrhea, vomiting) and adjust diet composition if necessary.
If a pup lags behind, extend supplemental feeding for an additional 2–3 days while continuing to encourage solid intake. Ensure the mother is not overly aggressive toward the delayed pup; separate if necessary.
Finalize weaning by:
- Providing enrichment (nesting material, tunnels) to promote natural foraging behavior.
- Offering a balanced diet containing at least 20 % protein and 5 % fat to support rapid growth.
- Conducting a final weight check before moving the young rats to an adult cage.
Following this structured schedule minimizes nutritional deficiencies, supports normal development, and reduces stress for both the offspring and the dam.