What to do when a pet rat gives birth? - briefly
Offer a quiet, warm nest with clean bedding, keep the mother’s food and water readily available, and avoid handling the newborns for the first week. Monitor the dam for signs of distress or complications and seek veterinary advice if any problems appear.
What to do when a pet rat gives birth? - in detail
A pregnant rat will usually give birth in a quiet, secluded corner of its cage. Observe the mother closely as the delivery approaches; she may become restless, nest more vigorously, or show a slight swelling of the abdomen.
Prepare the enclosure by adding fresh, soft bedding (such as shredded paper or tissue) and ensuring the temperature stays between 68‑75 °F (20‑24 °C). Remove any objects that could cause injury, but keep the cage secure to prevent escape.
During the birth, the mother will push out each pup, usually one every 10‑15 minutes. Do not intervene unless a problem is evident: a stuck pup, excessive bleeding, or the mother abandoning the litter. If a pup appears stuck, gently apply warm, moist pressure to the mother’s abdomen and coax the pup out with a clean fingertip; avoid pulling.
After each pup is expelled, the mother will lick it clean and may bite off the placenta. Allow her to perform this behavior; it stimulates circulation and reduces infection risk. If the placenta is not expelled within a few minutes, check for signs of retained tissue, which may require veterinary attention.
When all pups have been born, verify that each one is moving, breathing, and wet. Any immobile or dry pup should be warmed with a heating pad set to low (no direct contact) and gently stimulated with a cotton swab to encourage breathing.
Post‑delivery care includes:
- Providing high‑quality, protein‑rich food (e.g., mouse or rat pellets, boiled eggs, mealworms).
- Supplying fresh water in a bottle that the mother can easily reach.
- Maintaining a clean environment; change bedding daily and monitor for mold or excess waste.
- Observing the mother for signs of distress: loss of appetite, lethargy, or aggressive behavior toward the litter.
If the mother shows any of these symptoms, schedule a veterinary examination promptly.
Continue to monitor the litter for at least three weeks. Pups will begin to open their eyes around day 14 and wean by week 4. During this period, increase protein intake for the dam and avoid handling the pups excessively to reduce stress.
By following these steps, the owner can ensure a safe delivery, healthy newborns, and a smooth recovery for the mother rat.