What should you do with a rat in its first days of life? - briefly
Provide a warm, clean environment with appropriate temperature and humidity, and feed the neonate with a high‑calorie, sterile formula using a small syringe. Monitor weight daily and keep the mother undisturbed to ensure natural care and growth.
What should you do with a rat in its first days of life? - in detail
A newborn rat requires a stable, warm environment from the moment it is born. Maintain a temperature of 28‑30 °C (82‑86 °F) using a heating pad or incubator, and provide soft, lint‑free bedding such as shredded paper or tissue. Cover the enclosure with a breathable top to retain heat while allowing air exchange.
Feeding is the most critical task. If the dam is present and nursing, observe her behavior to ensure each pup receives milk. Should the mother be absent, ill, or reject the litter, hand‑feed with a commercial rodent milk replacer formulated for neonates. Use a 30‑gauge feeding tube, deliver 0.2 ml per pup every 2‑3 hours, and keep the formula at body temperature (37 °C). Rotate feeding positions to stimulate natural suckling motions.
Hygiene must be addressed without disturbing the pups. Replace soiled bedding once daily, and clean the enclosure with a mild, unscented disinfectant, rinsing thoroughly before re‑introducing the animals. Avoid excessive handling; gentle contact only when necessary for health checks.
Monitor health indicators closely. Record body weight each morning; a gain of 2‑3 g per day signals proper nutrition. Look for signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, skin tenting), respiratory distress (open mouth breathing, wheezing), or skin lesions. Immediate veterinary consultation is required if any abnormality appears.
Social development begins after the first week. Gradually introduce the litter to a larger cage with enrichment items—tunnels, chew blocks, and nesting material—once they are weaned (around 21 days). Continue to provide clean water and a balanced diet of high‑protein pellets and fresh vegetables.
Key actions for the initial days:
- Set up a temperature‑controlled enclosure with soft bedding.
- Ensure mother’s presence; otherwise, hand‑feed with appropriate formula every 2‑3 hours.
- Keep the environment clean, changing bedding daily.
- Weigh pups daily; watch for dehydration or respiratory issues.
- Limit handling to essential health assessments.
- Prepare for gradual transition to a larger, enriched habitat after weaning.