What to do if a rat hasn't given birth? - briefly
Check the female’s health, nutrition, and stress levels, and confirm pregnancy with a vet or ultrasound. If no pups appear after the normal gestation period, seek veterinary evaluation for possible complications or miscarriage.
What to do if a rat hasn't given birth? - in detail
When a female rodent shows no sign of delivery despite having been expected to farrow, the first step is to confirm that she is indeed pregnant. Palpate the abdomen gently after the third week of gestation; a palpable mass or visible enlargement indicates pregnancy. If the abdomen is not enlarged, consider a false‑positive mating record or an early miscarriage.
Observe for normal pre‑birth behavior: nesting material accumulation, increased restlessness, and a rise in body temperature of 1–2 °C. Absence of these signs after day 20 of gestation suggests a problem that requires immediate attention.
Immediate actions
- Isolate the rat in a quiet, temperature‑controlled cage (21–24 °C) to reduce stress.
- Provide fresh, high‑quality food and water; supplement with protein‑rich treats (e.g., boiled egg, soy pellets).
- Ensure ample nesting material (soft paper, shredded tissue) to encourage natural nest building.
- Monitor daily for abdominal swelling, discharge, or signs of distress (labored breathing, vocalization).
When to seek veterinary intervention
- No abdominal enlargement by day 22.
- Visible signs of pain, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
- Vaginal discharge that is bloody or foul‑smelling.
- Sudden weight loss or dehydration.
A veterinarian can perform an ultrasound or radiograph to verify fetal presence and assess the number of embryos. If embryos are present but the mother cannot deliver, the clinician may recommend:
- Medical induction – administration of oxytocin or prostaglandin analogs to stimulate uterine contractions.
- Assisted delivery – gentle manual assistance under anesthesia to extract pups that are stuck.
- Cesarean section – surgical removal of pups when uterine inertia or obstruction makes natural birth impossible.
Supportive care after intervention
- Maintain a warm recovery environment (30 °C for newborns) and provide a nest with soft bedding.
- Administer antibiotics if infection is suspected.
- Offer a lactating surrogate or hand‑feed with appropriate formula if the mother cannot nurse.
Preventive measures for future breeding cycles
- Verify male fertility and timing of mating; allow a minimum of 4 days between pairing and separation.
- Keep breeding females on a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin E.
- Limit stressors: avoid loud noises, sudden cage changes, and excessive handling during late gestation.
- Conduct regular health checks to detect reproductive issues early.
By confirming pregnancy, monitoring physiological cues, providing optimal care, and involving a veterinarian promptly when abnormalities arise, the likelihood of a successful delivery increases and the health of both dam and offspring is safeguarded.