What does a newborn rat look like? - briefly
A newborn rat, or pup, is hairless, pink, weighs roughly 5–7 g, and has closed eyes and ears with underdeveloped limbs. It depends entirely on its mother for warmth and nourishment during the first week.
What does a newborn rat look like? - in detail
Newborn rats, known as pups, are diminutive and hairless at birth. Their bodies measure approximately 2–3 cm in length and weigh between 1.5 and 3 g. The skin is thin, pinkish‑white, and translucent, allowing visibility of underlying blood vessels. A faint, downy covering of fine, silky hair may appear within the first 24 hours, but the coat remains sparse until the second week.
The head is proportionally large compared to the torso. Eyes are closed, sealed by a thin membrane that opens around day 10–12. Ears are undeveloped, flat against the skull, and lack cartilage support. The snout is short, with nostrils that are barely discernible. Limbs are short, with forepaws bearing only two functional digits and hind paws possessing three. Nails are absent; the pads are soft and unkeratinized.
The tail is present at birth but measures only 1–2 cm, covered by thin, translucent skin without the characteristic scaly texture of adult rats. Mobility is limited; pups rely on the mother for warmth, nourishment, and stimulation. Reflexes are rudimentary, consisting mainly of a rooting response to locate the nipples.
Key physical traits:
- Length: 2–3 cm; weight: 1.5–3 g
- Skin: pink, thin, translucent
- Fur: minimal, appears after the first day
- Eyes: closed, open by day 10–12
- Ears: flat, undeveloped
- Limbs: short, few digits, no nails
- Tail: short, hairless, soft skin
- Mobility: immobile, dependent on maternal care
These characteristics define the early appearance of rat pups and differentiate them from older, fur‑covered juveniles.