What to do with a pregnant rat? - briefly
Provide a spacious, quiet enclosure with ample nesting material, a balanced diet high in protein and calcium, and regular health checks; limit handling to essential care to reduce stress. If complications arise, consult a veterinarian experienced with rodents.
What to do with a pregnant rat? - in detail
A pregnant laboratory rat requires a controlled environment, balanced nutrition, and careful health monitoring to ensure a successful gestation and safe delivery.
Provide a spacious cage with a solid floor, clean bedding, and a nesting material such as shredded paper or cotton. Maintain temperature between 20‑24 °C, humidity at 40‑60 %, and a 12‑hour light/dark cycle. Avoid overcrowding; one female per cage is preferable during the final week of pregnancy.
Supply a diet formulated for gestating rodents, enriched with protein (18‑20 % of calories), essential fatty acids, and increased caloric content (approximately 20 % above maintenance). Offer fresh water ad libitum and supplement with vitamin E and calcium if the base diet lacks these nutrients.
Monitor health daily:
- Observe for signs of distress, lethargy, or abnormal discharge.
- Weigh the animal every 2–3 days; a steady weight gain of 5‑10 g per week is typical.
- Check the nest for adequate construction starting around day 14 of gestation.
Prepare for parturition by adding extra nesting material around day 14–15. Limit handling to essential procedures; excessive disturbance can trigger premature labor. If handling is necessary (e.g., health checks or medication), use gentle restraint and keep sessions under two minutes.
During birth, expect a litter of 6‑12 pups after a gestation period of 21‑23 days. Do not intervene unless a pup is immobile or the dam shows signs of distress. After delivery, ensure the mother can nurse all offspring; provide supplemental heating (e.g., a warming pad) if ambient temperature drops below 20 °C.
Post‑natal care includes:
- Daily inspection of pups for cleanliness and adequate nursing.
- Weaning at post‑natal day 21, with gradual introduction of solid food.
- Separation of the dam from the weaned litter to prevent aggression.
Maintain detailed records of dates, litter size, pup mortality, and any interventions. Follow institutional animal care guidelines and obtain necessary ethical approvals before commencing work with pregnant rodents.