What to feed hand-reared rats? - briefly
Hand‑reared rodents require a commercial rodent milk replacer supplemented with high‑protein solid foods such as boiled egg yolk, cooked lean meat, and small amounts of fresh vegetables once they can chew. Include a vitamin‑mineral mix and provide clean water to support healthy growth.
What to feed hand-reared rats? - in detail
Hand‑reared rat pups require a diet that mimics the nutritional profile of mother’s milk while supporting rapid growth and organ development. The primary components are high‑quality protein, essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Formula should be prepared under sterile conditions and fed at regular intervals to prevent hypoglycemia and dehydration.
Core formula composition
- Protein: 20–25 % of total calories, provided by whey protein isolate or casein hydrolysate.
- Fat: 10–12 % of calories, supplied by a blend of vegetable oil (soy, safflower) and medium‑chain triglycerides for energy density and essential fatty acids.
- Carbohydrate: 55–60 % of calories, using lactose or a lactose‑free alternative (e.g., maltodextrin) to match the sugar content of natural milk.
- Vitamins: A‑complex, D3, E, K, B‑complex, and trace‑element premix at concentrations recommended for neonatal rodents.
- Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and chloride in a ratio of approximately 2:1 (Ca:P) to support bone mineralization.
Feeding schedule
- Begin with 0.2 ml per pup every 2 hours for the first 48 hours.
- Increase volume by 0.1 ml every 24 hours, maintaining the 2‑hour interval until pups reach 20 g body weight.
- Monitor weight daily; adjust volume to achieve a gain of 2–3 g per day.
Supplementary foods after weaning (post‑day 21)
- Softened rodent chow, blended with formula to a mash consistency.
- Fresh, unseasoned boiled egg yolk (approximately 0.5 g per pup) for additional protein and cholesterol.
- Small pieces of low‑fat cheese or plain yogurt to introduce dairy fats.
- Fresh water provided in a shallow dish once solid food intake is established.
Hygiene and handling
- Use sterile syringes or feeding tubes; discard any leftover formula after 30 minutes.
- Clean feeding equipment with hot, soapy water and autoclave when possible.
- Maintain ambient temperature at 28–30 °C for the first week, reducing to 25 °C by the end of the third week.
Common pitfalls
- Over‑diluting formula reduces caloric intake, leading to stunted growth.
- Skipping feedings for more than 4 hours risks hypoglycemia.
- Introducing solid food before day 21 can cause digestive upset.
A balanced, sterile formula combined with a structured feeding regime ensures optimal development and prepares hand‑raised rats for successful transition to solid diets.