How to feed a rat pup? - briefly
Provide a rodent‑specific milk replacer warmed to 37 °C, delivered with a syringe or eyedropper at 0.2–0.3 ml per feeding every 3–4 hours during the first two weeks. After weaning, switch to high‑protein pellets and fresh water, keeping the food soft for several days to aid digestion.
How to feed a rat pup? - in detail
Feeding a newborn rat requires sterile, temperature‑controlled formula and a strict schedule. Begin within the first few hours after birth; the pup’s stomach is not yet functional, so a milk replacer designed for rodents or a nutritionally balanced kitten formula diluted to 1.5 % fat is appropriate. Warm the liquid to 37 °C (98.6 °F) and test temperature on the inside of the wrist before feeding.
Use a finely calibrated syringe (1 ml capacity) with a 22‑gauge feeding needle. Hold the pup on its back, support the head, and gently insert the needle into the side of the mouth near the cheek, avoiding the tongue. Deliver 0.2 ml per gram of body weight, divided into two equal portions per feeding session. For a 5‑gram pup, this equals 1 ml total, given as 0.5 ml each time.
Feedings occur every 3 hours around the clock for the first week. Record the time, volume, and any signs of distress. After each session, wipe the pup’s mouth with a sterile cotton swab and place it back in a nest with a heating pad set to 30 °C (86 °F). Monitor weight daily; a gain of at least 2–3 % per day indicates adequate intake.
Transition to solid food begins at 14–21 days. Introduce a softened mixture of high‑protein rodent chow, boiled egg white, and a few drops of water, achieving a paste consistency. Offer 0.5 ml of the paste three times daily, gradually increasing volume as the pup begins to nibble. By day 28, replace the paste with moist pellets and fresh water, while maintaining the heating source until the young rat can regulate its own temperature.
Maintain strict hygiene: sterilize all feeding equipment after each use, change bedding daily, and keep the enclosure free of drafts. Observe for signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, skin tenting) or malnutrition (weight loss, lethargy) and adjust formula concentration or feeding frequency accordingly. Prompt veterinary consultation is required if the pup fails to gain weight after three consecutive feedings.