How should you feed a nursing decorative rat? - briefly
Provide a lactating fancy rat with a commercial kitten or puppy milk replacer formulated for rodents, feeding 5–10 ml per 100 g body weight every 3–4 hours, and supplement with a small amount of soft, high‑protein pellet mash. After about three weeks, begin introducing solid food while keeping fresh water continuously available.
How should you feed a nursing decorative rat? - in detail
A lactating fancy rat requires a diet that supplies extra calories, protein, calcium, and essential vitamins to support milk production and the growth of the pups.
Include a high‑quality commercial rat or mouse pellet that lists a minimum of 20 % protein and 4 % fat. Offer the pellet continuously, allowing the mother to eat as needed; she will increase her intake by 20–30 % compared with non‑breeding rats.
Add fresh, unseasoned cooked egg (hard‑boiled or scrambled) or a small portion of low‑fat cottage cheese once daily for additional protein and calcium. A tablespoon of plain, unsweetened yogurt can provide probiotics and extra calcium.
Provide fresh vegetables that are safe for rats, such as:
- Baby carrots, sliced
- Steamed broccoli florets
- Small pieces of kale or spinach (limit to a few leaves per day to avoid oxalates)
These vegetables supply fiber, vitamins A and C, and minerals. Offer them in small, bite‑size portions twice a day.
Fruit should be limited to a few small pieces of banana, apple (no seeds), or berries, given no more than three times per week, because of sugar content.
Water must be available at all times, in a clean bottle or heavy ceramic dish that cannot be tipped over. Change the water daily and clean the container weekly.
Supplementation is rarely needed if the diet includes the items above, but a single dose of a rodent‑specific multivitamin (containing vitamins D3, B‑complex, and calcium) can be administered once per week during the first two weeks of lactation.
Monitor the mother’s body condition by feeling her ribs and spine; she should retain a smooth, rounded abdomen without excessive sagging. If she appears thin or lethargic, increase the caloric portion by adding a small amount of cooked chicken breast or boiled egg white.
Weaning typically begins at 14–21 days. Gradually introduce a balanced weaning mix—softened pellet mash mixed with a little warm water—while continuing to provide the mother’s diet. Reduce supplemental foods as the pups start to eat independently.
Maintain a clean cage, removing uneaten food nightly to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth. Replace bedding regularly to reduce ammonia, which can affect both mother and offspring health.