How to assist rat birth? - briefly
Provide a clean, insulated nest and monitor the dam for signs of distress such as prolonged labor or inactivity. If emergency help is required, apply gentle abdominal pressure to facilitate expulsion and give sterile saline with a syringe to prevent dehydration.
How to assist rat birth? - in detail
A pregnant rat requires a clean, quiet enclosure with soft bedding that can be replaced easily. Provide a nest box or a corner of the cage filled with shredded paper or tissue; rats will arrange it themselves. Maintain temperature between 22‑24 °C and keep humidity moderate to prevent chilling of the neonates.
Monitor the dam for signs of impending delivery: restlessness, nesting behavior, swelling of the abdomen, and occasional vocalizations. The gestation period for common laboratory rats averages 21‑23 days; labor typically begins in the early evening.
When contractions start, observe without disturbing the mother. Most rats give birth unaided. Intervene only if:
- The dam appears exhausted and abandons the nest.
- A pup is stuck in the birth canal (visible protrusion without further movement).
- The litter size exceeds the dam’s capacity, leading to pile‑ups of pups.
If intervention is necessary, follow these steps:
- Sanitize hands with alcohol or wear disposable gloves to reduce infection risk.
- Gently support the dam’s hindquarters with one hand, avoiding pressure on the abdomen.
- Apply a small amount of sterile saline to the exposed pup to keep it moist.
- Use fine forceps or tweezers (rounded tips) to grasp the pup’s hind legs, pulling steadily in line with the birth canal. Do not twist or yank.
- Place the pup immediately into the warm nest, positioning it ventral side down.
- Inspect the pup for breathing and movement; if the lungs are fluid‑filled, clear the airway with a soft cotton swab.
- Check the dam for any retained placentas; remove any that remain in the uterus, as they can cause infection.
After all pups are delivered, count the litter to ensure none are missing. Provide the dam with high‑protein food, fresh water, and a small amount of supplemental calcium (e.g., crushed eggshells) to support lactation. Avoid handling the newborns for the first 24 hours unless necessary; excessive disturbance can cause the mother to reject them.
Maintain the cage cleanliness by replacing soiled bedding daily and monitoring for signs of mastitis or other complications. If any pup appears weak, does not nurse, or shows discoloration, separate it for hand‑rearing with warmed formula and sterile conditions.
Regular observation during the first week will reveal growth rates and maternal behavior, allowing timely corrective actions if problems arise.