What does a rat litter look like? - briefly
A newborn rat litter consists of 5–12 altricial pups, each 2–4 cm long, hairless, pink‑tinged, with closed eyes and visible whisker buds. The nest is a shallow depression lined with shredded material within the cage.
What does a rat litter look like? - in detail
A newborn rat group consists of several tiny individuals typically ranging from three to twelve. Each pup measures about 2–3 cm in length and weighs 2–5 g at birth. The skin is largely pink or reddish, covered by a fine, sparse coat that may appear almost translucent. Eyes remain closed, and ear pinnae are undeveloped, lying flat against the head. The tail is short, hairless, and proportionally longer than the body.
The mother builds a nest of shredded paper, fabric, or bedding material. The nest material is densely packed, creating a warm, insulated cavity. Within this cavity, the pups cluster together, their bodies touching to conserve heat. The nest interior often contains a layer of urine and feces, giving it a damp, slightly odorous quality.
Key visual markers of the group include:
- Uniform pinkish coloration of the skin.
- Lack of visible whiskers or mature fur.
- Closed eyelids and flattened ear structures.
- Compact arrangement within a compact, shredded‑material nest.
- Presence of a soft, moist substrate from bodily excretions.
As the pups develop, fur darkens, eyes open around day 13, and ear pinnae become erect. The initial appearance, however, remains distinctively delicate and uniform, providing a clear indication of a newly born rat cohort.