My rat gave birth; what should I do? - briefly
Provide a secure, low‑stress nest, keep the mother undisturbed while ensuring she has fresh water, food, and clean bedding, and monitor for any signs of illness or complications; if problems appear, contact a veterinarian familiar with small‑animal care.
My rat gave birth; what should I do? - in detail
When a female rat gives birth, immediate focus should be on the nest, the mother, and the newborn pups. Provide a quiet, warm enclosure with bedding that the mother can rearrange. Keep the temperature between 75 °F and 80 °F; a heating pad set on low, covered with a towel, can prevent hypothermia without exposing the pups directly to heat.
Observe the mother for the first few hours. She will clean each pup and may bite the umbilical cords. Do not intervene unless a pup appears unattended for more than a few minutes. If a cord remains attached, gently trim it with sterilized scissors, then apply a tiny amount of veterinary‑grade antiseptic.
Nutrition for the dam is critical. Offer high‑calorie rat chow, fresh water, and supplemental protein such as boiled egg or mealworms. Increase feeding frequency to three or four times daily. The mother will transfer nutrients to the pups through her milk, so her diet directly influences pup growth.
Monitor the litter daily. Count the pups, note any discoloration, lethargy, or failure to thrive. Healthy newborns are pink, hairless, and gain weight steadily. Weigh each pup every 24 hours using a digital gram scale; a gain of 0.5 g to 1 g per day is normal during the first week.
If a pup shows signs of distress—persistent trembling, inability to nurse, or a swollen abdomen—remove it from the nest with clean gloves and place it in a warmed incubator. Provide a few drops of warmed, diluted goat’s milk or specialized rodent formula using a syringe. Seek veterinary assistance promptly for persistent issues.
Maintain strict hygiene. Replace soiled bedding weekly, but avoid cleaning the nest until the pups are at least three weeks old, as premature disturbance can cause the mother to reject the litter. Wash hands thoroughly before handling any part of the enclosure.
Record key milestones: eye opening (around day 14), fur development (day 10‑12), and weaning (day 21‑28). At weaning, transition the young rats to standard diet and separate them by sex to prevent early breeding.
By following these steps—providing a stable environment, supporting the mother’s nutrition, monitoring pup health, and intervening only when necessary—you ensure the best outcome for both the dam and her offspring.