What do rats do after giving birth? - briefly
After delivering her litter, a mother rat stays in the nest to nurse, groom, and keep the newborns warm. She remains largely immobile and minimizes foraging until the pups are a few days old.
What do rats do after giving birth? - in detail
After delivering a litter, a mother rat immediately begins a series of behaviors that ensure the survival of her offspring. She cleans each newborn by licking, which removes the amniotic membrane, stimulates breathing, and creates a scent profile that the pups recognize as belonging to their mother. This grooming also establishes a temperature‑regulating coat on the pups.
Nursing follows the cleaning process. The dam positions herself over the nest, allowing the pups to attach to her nipples. She produces milk rich in proteins, fats, and antibodies, providing essential nutrition and passive immunity. Nursing bouts occur every two to three hours during the first week, with each session lasting a few minutes.
While the litter is still vulnerable, the mother remains highly protective. She builds and maintains a nest using shredded paper, fabric, or bedding material, keeping it dry and insulated. The nest is frequently rearranged to preserve optimal warmth and to accommodate the growing pups.
Throughout the early postpartum period, the female limits her activity outside the nest. She ventures out only to gather food, which she brings back to the nest and may share with the young. Her foraging trips are brief and often occur during the dark phase of the light‑dark cycle, aligning with the species’ nocturnal habits.
The dam also engages in vocal communication. Ultrasonic calls emitted during handling or when the pups emit distress signals help coordinate care, prompting the mother to retrieve and comfort a displaced or distressed pup.
By the end of the second week, the mother gradually reduces nursing frequency, encourages the pups to explore the surroundings, and begins weaning. She introduces solid food, often by placing it near the nest, and tolerates increased movement of the young. This transition culminates in full independence around three to four weeks of age.