How to care for a pregnant rat? - briefly
Provide a high‑protein diet, constant fresh water, a quiet cage with ample nesting material, and daily health checks while limiting handling. Consult a veterinarian for prenatal guidance and anticipate a litter of 6‑12 pups around day 21.
How to care for a pregnant rat? - in detail
Proper nutrition is essential throughout gestation. Provide a high‑quality rodent pellet formulated for breeding animals, supplemented with fresh vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and leafy greens. Offer protein‑rich treats—hard‑boiled egg, cooked chicken, or low‑fat cottage cheese—once or twice daily. Ensure constant access to clean water; a bottle with a stainless‑steel tip reduces contamination risk.
Housing must accommodate the expanding abdomen and prepare for the nest. Use a spacious cage (minimum 600 cm² floor space) with a solid bottom to prevent foot injuries. Insert a corner of soft bedding (aspen shavings or paper pulp) at least 5 cm deep; replace it weekly or when soiled. Add a nesting material bundle (cotton squares or shredded paper) a week before the expected delivery date to encourage nest building.
Health monitoring should be daily. Observe for signs of distress: rapid breathing, hunched posture, or loss of appetite. Check the abdomen for abnormal swelling or fluid accumulation. Record weight gain; a typical increase of 1–2 g per day indicates normal progression. Promptly consult a veterinarian if bleeding, lethargy, or abnormal discharge occurs.
Handling requires gentle restraint to avoid stress. Support the torso with one hand while the other steadies the rear, never lifting by the tail. Limit handling sessions to a few minutes and only when necessary (e.g., health checks or cage cleaning).
Preparation for parturition involves adjusting the environment. Reduce ambient noise and maintain a stable temperature of 22–24 °C. Place a separate nesting box inside the cage a few days before the due date; this isolates the birthing area and minimizes disturbance. Monitor the rat closely during the final 24 hours; labor typically lasts 30–60 minutes, with pups delivered in rapid succession.
Post‑birth care includes maintaining a clean nest, providing ample food and water, and observing maternal behavior. Do not remove the pups unless advised by a veterinarian. If any pup appears weak or unresponsive, intervene promptly with gentle stimulation and, if needed, supplemental feeding under professional guidance.
Record all observations—diet changes, weight measurements, behavior notes—to track progress and inform future breeding cycles. Consistent attention to nutrition, environment, health, and handling ensures a successful gestation and healthy litter.