How should a newborn rat be cared for? - briefly
Maintain a nest at 30‑32 °C with soft, dry bedding, and feed a rat‑specific milk replacer every 3‑4 hours, transitioning to solid food after about two weeks. Perform daily weight checks and keep the enclosure clean to prevent disease.
How should a newborn rat be cared for? - in detail
A newborn rat requires a stable, warm environment from birth until the first days of independence. Maintain ambient temperature at 30 °C for the initial 48 hours, then reduce gradually by 2 °C each day until reaching the colony room temperature of 22–24 °C. Use a heating pad or incubator with a thermostatically controlled thermostat to avoid overheating. Provide a nesting material such as shredded paper or cotton that can be gently reshaped without disturbing the pups.
Feeding is critical because neonates cannot ingest solid food. The dam supplies milk; ensure she has unrestricted access to a high‑fat rodent diet and fresh water. Monitor litter size and pup weight daily; a loss of more than 10 % of expected weight gain signals a problem. If the mother rejects or cannot nurse, hand‑feed using a specialized pup‑feeding syringe with warmed, sterile rat milk replacer, delivering 0.1 ml per pup every 2–3 hours. Clean the syringe between feeds to prevent contamination.
Hygiene must prevent fungal and bacterial growth. Change bedding daily, keeping it dry and free of droppings. Disinfect the cage with a mild, non‑residual solution before introducing a new litter. Avoid strong odors or chemicals that could stress the dam or pups.
Handling should be minimal. When necessary, warm gloved hands and a soft, lint‑free cloth reduce stress. Transfer pups only with a fine‑tipped pipette or soft brush, never by the tail.
Health monitoring includes daily observation for signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, skin tenting), respiratory distress (rapid breathing, nasal discharge), or skin abnormalities (red patches, fungal growth). Record any irregularities and consult a veterinarian promptly.
Weaning begins around post‑natal day 21. Introduce solid food by placing a small amount of high‑protein rodent chow on the cage floor. Provide fresh water in a sipper bottle. Gradually increase the proportion of solid food while reducing reliance on the dam’s milk. Separate pups from the mother once they consistently consume solid food and display normal growth rates.
Record all data—temperature, weight, feeding volume, health observations—in a logbook. Consistent documentation enables early detection of issues and ensures optimal outcomes for the developing rodents.