What should I do if a rat is giving birth to pups? - briefly
Provide a quiet, warm enclosure with clean bedding, limit handling, and monitor for complications; contact a veterinarian experienced with rodents if any signs of distress appear.
What should I do if a rat is giving birth to pups? - in detail
When a female rodent begins labor, create a quiet, temperature‑controlled environment. Keep the nesting material clean but undisturbed; the mother will arrange it herself. Provide a heat source that maintains ambient temperature around 75 °F (24 °C) without creating hot spots.
Observe the birthing process without intervening unless a problem arises. Typical delivery lasts 30–60 minutes, followed by a brief pause before the next pup emerges. If a pup remains stuck for more than a few minutes, gently clear the birth canal with a moistened cotton swab, being careful not to pull.
After each pup is born, the mother will lick it to stimulate breathing and initiate nursing. Do not separate the litter unless the mother shows aggression or neglect. If removal is necessary—e.g., for veterinary care—use gloved hands, support the neonate’s body, and place it in a warmed, sterile container with a few drops of warm saline if the pup appears dehydrated.
Maintain the cage’s humidity at 50–60 % to prevent the pups from drying out. Replace soiled bedding daily, but avoid complete cage changes during the first week; partial cleaning preserves the mother’s scent and reduces stress. Provide fresh water and high‑quality rodent chow, but limit access to the food bowl for the first 24 hours to prevent the mother from crushing pups while feeding.
Monitor the mother for signs of distress: excessive vocalization, refusal to nurse, or aggressive behavior toward the litter. Contact a veterinarian promptly if any pup is not gaining weight, appears lethargic, or has visible deformities.
Once the litter reaches two weeks of age, begin weaning by offering soft, pre‑moistened food alongside the mother’s supply. Gradually increase the amount of solid food while reducing nursing sessions. By the third week, the juveniles should be fully independent.