How to feed newborn rats? - briefly
Newborn rats require a rodent‑specific milk replacer administered with a fine‑tipped syringe at 2–3 ml per 100 g body weight every 3–4 hours. The formula should be warmed to 37 °C, and the pups must be kept warm and observed for proper digestion.
How to feed newborn rats? - in detail
Feeding infant rats requires sterile milk replacer, precise temperature control, and a strict feeding schedule. Milk replacer should be formulated for laboratory rodents, containing 20 % protein, 10 % fat, and essential vitamins. Dilute the powder with warm distilled water to achieve a temperature of 35–37 °C; verify with a calibrated thermometer before each feeding.
Pup handling must be gentle to avoid stress. Hold the neonate in one hand, supporting the torso, and use a calibrated micro‑pipette or syringe with a 0.5 ml tip. Deliver 0.2 ml of milk per pup every 2–3 hours for the first week, increasing volume by 0.05 ml each subsequent day. Monitor weight daily; a gain of 2–3 % of body mass per day indicates adequate nutrition.
Hygiene protocols prevent infection. Disinfect feeding equipment with 70 % ethanol, rinse with sterile water, and replace tips after each use. Clean the nest bedding with a mild antiseptic solution weekly, and store milk replacer in a sealed container at 4 °C, discarding any unused portion after 24 hours.
Transition to solid food begins at 14 days of age. Introduce a finely ground rodent chow mixed with a small amount of milk replacer to form a gruel. Offer the gruel in a shallow dish, allowing pups to explore independently while continuing milk supplementation until weaning at 21 days.
Key points for successful rearing:
- Use rodent‑specific milk formula, not cow’s milk.
- Maintain feeding temperature at 35–37 °C.
- Feed 0.2 ml per pup every 2–3 hours initially.
- Record daily weight; aim for 2–3 % increase.
- Apply strict sterilization of all equipment.
- Begin gruel introduction at 14 days, complete weaning by day 21.