Hand-Rearing 2 fuzzies (feeding questions) (really long, so sorry!!)

[Simplicity]

I posted in the introduction thread how I ended up with these 2 babies but just for a little back story, I'll try to keep it short and sweet: I walked into a reptile store with some family to check out some frogs and lizards, seen where the guy at the counter had them and ended up coming home with two fuzzies.

Judging from time line pictures, I'd guess when I got them they were 9 maybe 10 days old. I just go with 9 days because the fur was still very very thin. Today would make them 12 days old, their fur is growing in more (they're white instead of pink where the markings are lol). Eyes are starting to have a dark line and I'm thinking they'll open in the next day or two.

I weighed them when I brought them home (22g and 20g) and I've been feeding soy infant formula (similac soy) every 4 hours and roughly 1ml-1.25ml per baby (because a link I read said to multiply a baby's weight in grams by 5% to get the ml needed per feeding).

They're very energetic about feeding (my hand goes in and it's like a feeding frenzy, they know they're about to get food). They potty normal now, it's more consistent in the last 2 days then when I first started feeding them the formula and I just chalked that up to the change of food.

I'm concerned because they aren't really gaining anything. Their hair grows, they have milk bands when I feed (that I can see, fur is coming in more though), they're kept warm. I checked online and one website says feed every 4-5 hours, another says 3-4 hours, and a different one says every 2 hours? I just want to make sure I do not overfeed/underfeed. One of the babies, when I stimulated him to go potty had very faint yellow urine and I'm not sure of that's good or bad? I often do the dehydration check on the napes of their necks and it goes back very normal.

I'm really just concerned about the lack of weight gain. Occasionally they fluctuate a gram down but otherwise, nothing. They still weigh the same amount as when I got them.

Just wanted some advice and to double check everything Ive read and make sure I'm doing this okay. They seem healthy, growing, getting furry, but I just seen different time frames and worried myself.

Sorry this turned out so long, wasn't sure exactly what info to give so I tried to just put it all out there. I keep a notebook on every feeding and how they progress too so I can always look it up in there. Thanks for reading and any advice you have

 

[Simplicity]

I've bumped up feedings to every 3 hours but only if they seem hungry (it's usually just Sawyer that's up for feeding that soon and he/she is the smaller of the two so I figured it was okay. I always check if the milkband is still full or not. I'm just so scared I'll overfeed/underfeed them. Is their a weekly weight gain I'm supposed to shoot for? They're still 22g (Greer) and 20g (Sawyer).

 

[lilspaz68]

These babies should be gaining about a gram a day, so you might need to feed more often and more food. They are developing which is good but weight gain is your goal here.

Can you post some pics for us? They might be younger than you think.

As for eliminating, its usually all liquid, no real difference between urine and poop yet as there are no solids they are ingesting. With my rescue litters it seems to be yellowish/orangish poop.

 

[Simplicity]

These babies should be gaining about a gram a day, so you might need to feed more often and more food. They are developing which is good but weight gain is your goal here.

Can you post some pics for us? They might be younger than you think.

As for eliminating, its usually all liquid, no real difference between urine and poop yet as there are no solids they are ingesting. With my rescue litters it seems to be yellowish/orangish poop.

Thank you for your reply!
Their eyes are still closed, they both still weigh 22g and 20g but they're doing things like trying to groom themselves and beginning to attempt to walk around as opposed to scooting.

The photos are really fuzzy, I had to use my Chromebook and the photos just come out very poor. I can try to take more if you like. The mostly white one with the grey "ear muffs" is Sawyer (20g) and the one with the blaze and dark markings down the back is Greer (22g).

It is mostly liquids but they do poop and it is a funky yellow-ish color and softer. They don't usually poop when I try to stimulate them, but they will do it on their own later. It makes a mess than but at least I know they're eliminating fine.

 

[Simplicity]

This last feeding I noticed Sawyer (mostly white baby) has little corners open on her/his eyes!! :3 Absolutely adorable! Both babies have gained a gram, doing great!

I have another question/concern. I tried googling it and I think it's called power sucking? Both babies do this often through feedings but I've noticed their little bellies swell like crazy when they do that? I watched closely the first few times and within an hour of being back in their little home on their fleecell and heating pad (under the cage on half of it) the odd swelling in their tummies is almost completely gone. Normal?

 

[lilspaz68]

I don't know much about power sucking but I assume it would be swallowing air. Try to stop them when they do it if possible.

 

[AAT]

Power-sucking is quite common with infant mammals, and I see it most frequently in raccoons. You need to be careful during feedings with a power-sucker, as this behaviour can heighten the risk of aspiration. May I ask what tool you are using to feed? Also, if the formula is not carefully measured prior to feeding, power-sucking can lead to overeating which is extremely dangerous.

 

[Simplicity]

Power-sucking is quite common with infant mammals, and I see it most frequently in raccoons. You need to be careful during feedings with a power-sucker, as this behaviour can heighten the risk of aspiration. May I ask what tool you are using to feed? Also, if the formula is not carefully measured prior to feeding, power-sucking can lead to overeating which is extremely dangerous.

I'm using a small paint brush to dip into the formula and feed them as the syringe I was using before was to big and I was worried about pushing down and having to much formula come out.

I've been trying to get them to stop power sucking when they start but even if touch them, pick them up, sometimes they keep doing it for a little bit longer. How do I get them to stop?

The mostly white baby's eyes are open on both sides (for a few hours she looked like a pirate before waiting for the other side to open) and the other baby's eyes are open in the corners.

Any guess on age? My guess would mean they're 15 Days Old today. Their ears are open and away from their heads. I'm shocked how quickly they grow!! Their tails are so much longer.

Thank you both for your help I really appreciate it!

 

[AAT]

I'm using a small paint brush to dip into the formula and feed them as the syringe I was using before was to big and I was worried about pushing down and having to much formula come out.

I've been trying to get them to stop power sucking when they start but even if touch them, pick them up, sometimes they keep doing it for a little bit longer. How do I get them to stop?

The mostly white baby's eyes are open on both sides (for a few hours she looked like a pirate before waiting for the other side to open) and the other baby's eyes are open in the corners.

Any guess on age? My guess would mean they're 15 Days Old today. Their ears are open and away from their heads. I'm shocked how quickly they grow!! Their tails are so much longer.

Thank you both for your help I really appreciate it!

Syringe-feeding infant rodents requires a high level of skill and thus I never recommend it to those without a great deal of prior syringe-feeding experience with other mammal species. An advantage to syringe-feeding is the ease in carefully measuring formula intake, but the risks are very high for those who are inexperienced and thus generally not worth the benefits. For now I would advise that you continue using the paint brush.

That said...

It is very easy for infants to swallow air when power-sucking a paint brush as opposed to a syringe. I am suspecting that air-swallowing is what the swelling in their tummies is attributed to. Power-sucking, unfortunately, is not exactly a behaviour you can train baby animals out of. I have found that a baby is either a power-sucker or it isn't, and if they are it becomes your duty to feed them in a way that keeps the risks at a minimum.

The biggest risks with power-sucking are:

1. Aspiration. More common when feeding with a bottle/nipple or syringe.
2. Overeating. A high risk regardless of the tool used, which is why measuring formula prior to feedings is imperative.
3. Swallowing Air. A rare occurence with correct syringe or bottle feeding, but an inherent issue with paint brushes.

Power-sucking is not dangerous per se, however it needs to be carefully monitored and controlled so that it does not cause any potential issues. My advice would be to slowly (important... slowly) remove the brush BEFORE the baby has finished the formula to reduce the amount of air intake (keep in mind that once the brush becomes exhausted of its formula, the baby is left sucking air in through the bristles). Properly done, this can lower the amount of air they swallow to match a syringe feeding. It is imortant to remove the feeding tool slowly (whether it is a brush, syringe, bottle), as quick removal can actually cause them to swallow air. Physical contact during power-sucking can sometimes elicit a stronger sucking response in the animal, which increases the potential risk of aspiration. I usually keep power-suckers as calm and comfortable as possible during feedings and keep them apart from litter-mates as they feed. Please, take especial care not to overfeed... this is extremely important with power-suckers! Watch their tongues during their sucking, too. As long as their tongues are firmly suctioned to their upper palates during power-sucking, they shouldn't be swallowing any excess air. However, if you observe excessive power-sucking when they are not being fed or if you notice air swallowing, you will need to take action. This behaviour is no longer power-sucking, but it is called "windsucking" and can be dangerous for a baby of that age.

Eyes open at two weeks. Pictures are welcome!

 

[Simplicity]

Syringe-feeding infant rodents requires a high level of skill and thus I never recommend it to those without a great deal of prior syringe-feeding experience with other mammal species. An advantage to syringe-feeding is the ease in carefully measuring formula intake, but the risks are very high for those who are inexperienced and thus generally not worth the benefits. For now I would advise that you continue using the paint brush.

That said...

It is very easy for infants to swallow air when power-sucking a paint brush as opposed to a syringe. I am suspecting that air-swallowing is what the swelling in their tummies is attributed to. Power-sucking, unfortunately, is not exactly a behaviour you can train baby animals out of. I have found that a baby is either a power-sucker or it isn't, and if they are it becomes your duty to feed them in a way that keeps the risks at a minimum.

The biggest risks with power-sucking are:

1. Aspiration. More common when feeding with a bottle/nipple or syringe.
2. Overeating. A high risk regardless of the tool used, which is why measuring formula prior to feedings is imperative.
3. Swallowing Air. A rare occurence with correct syringe or bottle feeding, but an inherent issue with paint brushes.

Power-sucking is not dangerous per se, however it needs to be carefully monitored and controlled so that it does not cause any potential issues. My advice would be to slowly (important... slowly) remove the brush BEFORE the baby has finished the formula to reduce the amount of air intake (keep in mind that once the brush becomes exhausted of its formula, the baby is left sucking air in through the bristles). Properly done, this can lower the amount of air they swallow to match a syringe feeding. It is imortant to remove the feeding tool slowly (whether it is a brush, syringe, bottle), as quick removal can actually cause them to swallow air. Physical contact during power-sucking can sometimes elicit a stronger sucking response in the animal, which increases the potential risk of aspiration. I usually keep power-suckers as calm and comfortable as possible during feedings and keep them apart from litter-mates as they feed. Please, take especial care not to overfeed... this is extremely important with power-suckers! Watch their tongues during their sucking, too. As long as their tongues are firmly suctioned to their upper palates during power-sucking, they shouldn't be swallowing any excess air. However, if you observe excessive power-sucking when they are not being fed or if you notice air swallowing, you will need to take action. This behaviour is no longer power-sucking, but it is called "windsucking" and can be dangerous for a baby of that age.

Eyes open at two weeks. Pictures are welcome!

Thank you so much!!

I have syringe fed 2 litters of kittens but the syringe is larger and takes a little more pressure to push down for formula to come out and I don't trust myself to not accidently squirting to much and have a baby aspirate it.

I've been feeding the babies together, should I feed them separately from now on then? Should I measure out the formula with the syringe for each baby and just make sure it stays warm while feeding with the paintbrush? Should I keep using the 5% of bodyweight in grams is how much to feed in ml?

I'm sorry for all the questions. I will definitely get some pictures on here later today

I've never noticed them power sucking/ wind sucking unless it's during a feeding so I suppose that's good?

 

[AAT]

Thank you so much!!

I have syringe fed 2 litters of kittens but the syringe is larger and takes a little more pressure to push down for formula to come out and I don't trust myself to not accidently squirting to much and have a baby aspirate it.

I've been feeding the babies together, should I feed them separately from now on then? Should I measure out the formula with the syringe for each baby and just make sure it stays warm while feeding with the paintbrush? Should I keep using the 5% of bodyweight in grams is how much to feed in ml?

I'm sorry for all the questions. I will definitely get some pictures on here later today

I've never noticed them power sucking/ wind sucking unless it's during a feeding so I suppose that's good?

As I always say, if you do not trust yourself 110% with a given feeding method (syringe feeding, tube feeding, etc.), do not do it. Rodents are much more fragile and delicate than kittens or other larger mammals, and consequently it is easier to cause them to aspirate during syringe feedings. Larger syringes are always easier and safer to work with. The small syringes needed for rearing infant rats require exceptional skill to prevent formula aspiration, as even the smallest mistake is colossal to an animal their size and can cost them their life.

For power-suckers, I would advise feeding the babies separately. A baby's intense sucking will sometimes become stronger when they are touched by a litter-mate, since they seem to think that they are encountering competition for the formula and must act accordingly (namely, finish the formula faster). I haven't observed this in every power-sucker I've had, but the majority have been this way. The harder they suck, the higher the chances of them aspirating the formula. Also ensure that each baby is calm and comfortable during mealtimes so that they do not feel the constant need to consume the greatest amount of formula as quickly as they can.

And yes, always measure out the formula prior to feeding, especially with power-suckers. It is far too easy for them to overeat. You can mix the amount of formula needed for one baby at a time (formula goes cold quite quickly), then dip the brush in the pre-measured formula and feed as usual. A little trick I use for keeping formula warm when I am feeding large litters is putting the syringe in a mug of warm water when not in use. This usually lasts for a few babies, then I re-warm the water and repeat until the entire litter is fed.

Regarding formula intake, how much do your two babies currently weigh, and how often are you currently feeding them? How many feedings are they getting total in a day?

Power-sucking and windsucking are two different things done for different reasons. Power-sucking CAN lead to windsucking if the babies are frequently ingesting air (hopefully not an issue at present), which is partially why it is so important to make the appropriate amendments to your feeding approach if you suspect the babies are swallowing air whilst power-sucking. If the power-sucking is only observed during their feedings, that is definitely a good sign. If they begin doing this behaviour when they are not being fed, you are observing windsucking which can be very serious.

 

[Simplicity]

As I always say, if you do not trust yourself 110% with a given feeding method (syringe feeding, tube feeding, etc.), do not do it. Rodents are much more fragile and delicate than kittens or other larger mammals, and consequently it is easier to cause them to aspirate during syringe feedings. Larger syringes are always easier and safer to work with. The small syringes needed for rearing infant rats require exceptional skill to prevent formula aspiration, as even the smallest mistake is colossal to an animal their size and can cost them their life.

For power-suckers, I would advise feeding the babies separately. A baby's intense sucking will sometimes become stronger when they are touched by a litter-mate, since they seem to think that they are encountering competition for the formula and must act accordingly (namely, finish the formula faster). I haven't observed this in every power-sucker I've had, but the majority have been this way. The harder they suck, the higher the chances of them aspirating the formula. Also ensure that each baby is calm and comfortable during mealtimes so that they do not feel the constant need to consume the greatest amount of formula as quickly as they can.

And yes, always measure out the formula prior to feeding, especially with power-suckers. It is far too easy for them to overeat. You can mix the amount of formula needed for one baby at a time (formula goes cold quite quickly), then dip the brush in the pre-measured formula and feed as usual. A little trick I use for keeping formula warm when I am feeding large litters is putting the syringe in a mug of warm water when not in use. This usually lasts for a few babies, then I re-warm the water and repeat until the entire litter is fed.

Regarding formula intake, how much do your two babies currently weigh, and how often are you currently feeding them? How many feedings are they getting total in a day?

Power-sucking and windsucking are two different things done for different reasons. Power-sucking CAN lead to windsucking if the babies are frequently ingesting air (hopefully not an issue at present), which is partially why it is so important to make the appropriate amendments to your feeding approach if you suspect the babies are swallowing air whilst power-sucking. If the power-sucking is only observed during their feedings, that is definitely a good sign. If they begin doing this behaviour when they are not being fed, you are observing windsucking which can be very serious.

Currently (I just fed them an hour ago) they weigh 23.8g and 21.8g (using a coin scale since it's more accurate than our food scale). I try to feed them every 3-4 hours. They get between 6-8 feedings in a day. I'm not sure how often I should really be feeding them nor how much, I'm just basing this off what I've read online but I thought I'd ask since not everything online is exactly true. I'd rather have input from people who have successfully done this, which is why I love this forum so much

I fed then separately this last feeding and they both still power suck but definitely not nearly as much as before.

 

[AAT]

Currently (I just fed them an hour ago) they weigh 23.8g and 21.8g (using a coin scale since it's more accurate than our food scale). I try to feed them every 3-4 hours. They get between 6-8 feedings in a day. I'm not sure how often I should really be feeding them nor how much, I'm just basing this off what I've read online but I thought I'd ask since not everything online is exactly true. I'd rather have input from people who have successfully done this, which is why I love this forum so much

I fed then separately this last feeding and they both still power suck but definitely not nearly as much as before.

Good to hear the power-sucking is not quite as intense since separation during feedings. Minimising physical touch (e.g., petting) during their feedings should also help.

May I ask how much you have been feeding them during their mealtimes? (Still doing some trouble-shooting) They should be getting about 1.19 mls and 1.09 mls respectively four times daily. An initial drop in weight is to be expected when you first begin hand-raising an infant, but once adjusted to the formula they should begin to steadily climb in their weight. Do not make the mistake of overfeeding to compensate for this weight loss. Doing this is extremely dangerous for the babies and can cause death. If they are dehydrated, you can mix children's Pedialyte (no sugar or added flavours) to the formula, but do not feed them more than what they should be getting right now based on their age and weight.

Over the years of my wildlife rehabilitation, I have found that there are always exceptions to the guidelines of formula amount/number of feedings depending on the individual. Some may have health issues that require less formula more frequently, or some may have health issues that require a drop in the required intake, etc. There is a listless number of possibilities. A skilled individual learns how these amendments can be made, what is safe, and when it is warranted, done on a case-by-case basis. I unfortunately can only offer you basic advice based on what I know about your babies, since I am not personally caring for them. Thus, the more details you can provide, the better the advice I can give.

 

[Simplicity]

Alright, minimize petting, gotcha!

Right now they usually have between .5ml and .75ml every feeding. I thought more frequent feedings would help aid in their weight gain but not to quickly. Is 1 gram a day to much to gain? They haven't gained that much, it's usually about .5 a gram a day, give or take. How frequent should I feed them?

They are currently snuggling in my hoodie pocket on my hands. I don't know how early they start bruxing but they've been grooming my hands/licking my hands alot lately.

The mostly white baby (Swayer) sleeps on her back often...I'm not sure if that's good or bad or just a quirk but the loose fleece in there she likes to curl on and sleep on her side/back. It's adorable but I just want to make sure that's normal/okay?

How often should I be feeding them? What happens if I feed them to much?

 

[Simplicity]

Good to hear the power-sucking is not quite as intense since separation during feedings. Minimising physical touch (e.g., petting) during their feedings should also help.

May I ask how much you have been feeding them during their mealtimes? (Still doing some trouble-shooting) They should be getting about 1.19 mls and 1.09 mls respectively four times daily. An initial drop in weight is to be expected when you first begin hand-raising an infant, but once adjusted to the formula they should begin to steadily climb in their weight. Do not make the mistake of overfeeding to compensate for this weight loss. Doing this is extremely dangerous for the babies and can cause death. If they are dehydrated, you can mix children's Pedialyte (no sugar or added flavours) to the formula, but do not feed them more than what they should be getting right now based on their age and weight.

Over the years of my wildlife rehabilitation, I have found that there are always exceptions to the guidelines of formula amount/number of feedings depending on the individual. Some may have health issues that require less formula more frequently, or some may have health issues that require a drop in the required intake, etc. There is a listless number of possibilities. A skilled individual learns how these amendments can be made, what is safe, and when it is warranted, done on a case-by-case basis. I unfortunately can only offer you basic advice based on what I know about your babies, since I am not personally caring for them. Thus, the more details you can provide, the better the advice I can give.

They're also beginning to get teeth, what does that mean for weaning? Wait another week or 2 to begin introducing more solidified foods?

 

[AAT]

Alright, minimize petting, gotcha!

Right now they usually have between .5ml and .75ml every feeding. I thought more frequent feedings would help aid in their weight gain but not to quickly. Is 1 gram a day to much to gain? They haven't gained that much, it's usually about .5 a gram a day, give or take. How frequent should I feed them?

They are currently snuggling in my hoodie pocket on my hands. I don't know how early they start bruxing but they've been grooming my hands/licking my hands alot lately.

The mostly white baby (Swayer) sleeps on her back often...I'm not sure if that's good or bad or just a quirk but the loose fleece in there she likes to curl on and sleep on her side/back. It's adorable but I just want to make sure that's normal/okay?

How often should I be feeding them? What happens if I feed them to much?

If you are giving them less formula more frequently, you can feed:

Larger baby: 0.95 mls five times daily, 0.76 mls six times daily, 0.68 mls seven times daily, or 0.59 mls eight times daily
Smaller baby: 0.87 mls five times daily, 0.72 mls six times daily, 0.62 mls seven times daily, or 0.52 mls eight times daily

The babies' number of daily feedings should be reduced at this age though, and night feedings should be completely discontinued (not sure if you are doing this). Try and work your way down to four feedings a day with a higher formula intake, but do it gradually. The numbers I have provided above should help you with this transition process.

A weight gain of one gram per day is generally not observed in infant rats that have just begun the transition from mum's milk to formula. It is normal for their weight to freeze (although dropping is a concern) when you have first begun hand-rearing them, but it should start to pick up in a few days. Do not push them, and do not overfeed. May I ask when (date & time of day) they first began hand-feeding?

An infant animal can only digest so much food, so fast. A baby rat's stomach capacity is 5% of their body weight, which is typical of most rodents their size. Overfeeding causes immense discomfort and pain, and their digestive systems simply cannot handle the amount of nutrients provided when they are overfed. Results of overfeeding include bloating, diarrhea, and sometimes death. You can usually "feel" whether or not your babies are getting enough formula, or if they are getting too much. After feedings, their tummies should be round, but never firm or hard.

Sleeping on her back is fine (would love to see photos ).

Once baby rats' eyes have opened, you can begin allowing them to sample some solid foods (crushed rodent blocks, fruits & veggies, etc.). At this age they may just mouth it, but the goal is to have them consuming solids by the time they are three weeks of age.

 

[Simplicity]

If you are giving them less formula more frequently, you can feed:

Larger baby: 0.95 mls five times daily, 0.76 mls six times daily, 0.68 mls seven times daily, or 0.59 mls eight times daily
Smaller baby: 0.87 mls five times daily, 0.72 mls six times daily, 0.62 mls seven times daily, or 0.52 mls eight times daily

The babies' number of daily feedings should be reduced at this age though, and night feedings should be completely discontinued (not sure if you are doing this). Try and work your way down to four feedings a day with a higher formula intake, but do it gradually. The numbers I have provided above should help you with this transition process.

A weight gain of one gram per day is generally not observed in infant rats that have just begun the transition from mum's milk to formula. It is normal for their weight to freeze (although dropping is a concern) when you have first begun hand-rearing them, but it should start to pick up in a few days. Do not push them, and do not overfeed. May I ask when (date & time of day) they first began hand-feeding?

An infant animal can only digest so much food, so fast. A baby rat's stomach capacity is 5% of their body weight, which is typical of most rodents their size. Overfeeding causes immense discomfort and pain, and their digestive systems simply cannot handle the amount of nutrients provided when they are overfed. Results of overfeeding include bloating, diarrhea, and sometimes death. You can usually "feel" whether or not your babies are getting enough formula, or if they are getting too much. After feedings, their tummies should be round, but never firm or hard.

Sleeping on her back is fine (would love to see photos ).

Once baby rats' eyes have opened, you can begin allowing them to sample some solid foods (crushed rodent blocks, fruits & veggies, etc.). At this age they may just mouth it, but the goal is to have them consuming solids by the time they are three weeks of age.

February 19th at 8:30pm. Yes, I have still been doing night feedings...I'm not going to lie, I'm kind of relieved I can discontinue those. The bags under my eyes look horrendous, haha.

At what age do I transition them from paint brush feedings to small dish feedings of formula? Should I try soft veggies like cooked green bean?

Thank you so much for your help!! It gives me a lot of peace of mind that I have someone's guidance with them. I'll snag some pictures the next time I see him/her doing it. May get some pictures to see if you can help me figure out if they're boys or girls, I think they're both boys but I'm not experienced in sexing, nor do I want to risk being wrong, haha

 

[AAT]

February 19th at 8:30pm. Yes, I have still been doing night feedings...I'm not going to lie, I'm kind of relieved I can discontinue those. The bags under my eyes look horrendous, haha.

At what age do I transition them from paint brush feedings to small dish feedings of formula? Should I try soft veggies like cooked green bean?

Thank you so much for your help!! It gives me a lot of peace of mind that I have someone's guidance with them. I'll snag some pictures the next time I see him/her doing it. May get some pictures to see if you can help me figure out if they're boys or girls, I think they're both boys but I'm not experienced in sexing, nor do I want to risk being wrong, haha

I will admit, I certainly share your sentiment on the night feedings. Thankfully with rats, this sacrifice is only for a short while. With some of the species that I take in, it lasts for months! :O Ahem, I digress...

I personally would like to see a greater daily weight gain than 0.5 grams by this point in time. See how it goes with them after amending their feeding schedule as outlined in my previous post, and we can go from there.

By the age of three weeks, they can take the formula from a small, shallow dish. You will need to closely supervise the first few times they do this, since they can (and sometimes do) aspirate the formula whilst learning how to feed in this manner. Cooked green beans are fine... any soft, healthy solids you can think of for them to sample is ideal. Be creative, but healthy is key!

You are most welcome. And certainly, I would be obliged to help you with sexing your young ones.

 

[Simplicity]

I will admit, I certainly share your sentiment on the night feedings. Thankfully with rats, this sacrifice is only for a short while. With some of the species that I take in, it lasts for months! :O Ahem, I digress...

I personally would like to see a greater daily weight gain than 0.5 grams by this point in time. See how it goes with them after amending their feeding schedule as outlined in my previous post, and we can go from there.

By the age of three weeks, they can take the formula from a small, shallow dish. You will need to closely supervise the first few times they do this, since they can (and sometimes do) aspirate the formula whilst learning how to feed in this manner. Cooked green beans are fine... any soft, healthy solids you can think of for them to sample is ideal. Be creative, but healthy is key!

You are most welcome. And certainly, I would be obliged to help you with sexing your young ones.

I don't know how you do it for months, I stress out and worry so much that any little sound and I'm up checking or if I worry I'll sleep through a feeding, I would stay awake. Coffee only does so much, it's shocking half the time I can form coherent sentences, haha! Last night I slept 5 hours and enjoyed every minute

Both babies (after adjusting the feeding schedule) have begun a steady gain of .2ml every feeding (5 feedings a day minus night). Currently they are 24.04g (Greer) and 22.46g (Sawyer). Both had minor stalls through trying to settle out the feedings but are doing wonderfully now, thank you so much! :urock:

I do however need to ask, when do baby rats begin eliminating on their own? They've pooped on their own for a few days (not the cleanest but it's a good sign), however the past 3 feedings neither babies have eliminated at all when I stimulate them. They're 16 going on 17 days now. I'm concerned, is this around when they can "go" by themselves or do I need to take some sort of action?

I've been waiting to post back until I can catch Sawyer sleeping on his/her back, I caught it one time (a few hours ago) but the pictures came out blurry. I'll check in again tonight and see if I can catch it and have my camera focus in.

 

[AAT]

I don't know how you do it for months, I stress out and worry so much that any little sound and I'm up checking or if I worry I'll sleep through a feeding, I would stay awake. Coffee only does so much, it's shocking half the time I can form coherent sentences, haha! Last night I slept 5 hours and enjoyed every minute

Both babies (after adjusting the feeding schedule) have begun a steady gain of .2ml every feeding (5 feedings a day minus night). Currently they are 24.04g (Greer) and 22.46g (Sawyer). Both had minor stalls through trying to settle out the feedings but are doing wonderfully now, thank you so much! :urock:

I do however need to ask, when do baby rats begin eliminating on their own? They've pooped on their own for a few days (not the cleanest but it's a good sign), however the past 3 feedings neither babies have eliminated at all when I stimulate them. They're 16 going on 17 days now. I'm concerned, is this around when they can "go" by themselves or do I need to take some sort of action?

I've been waiting to post back until I can catch Sawyer sleeping on his/her back, I caught it one time (a few hours ago) but the pictures came out blurry. I'll check in again tonight and see if I can catch it and have my camera focus in.

High-five for five hours of sleep! :thumbup: Raising orphaned animals is a lifestyle burdened with many sacrifices, and definitely not for everyone. It is always worth it in the end, though.

Greer can be fed 1.2 mls four times daily, and Sawyer 1.1 mls (4X). Or alternatively, 0.96 mls five times daily (Greer), and 0.88 mls five times daily (Sawyer). Not a colossal increase in their needed formula intake from yesterday, but an increase nonetheless. Babies will generally have something to say when you make changes to their feeding schedule (some worse than others), but should settle with it in a day or two.

The babies will usually begin eliminating on their own between the ages of two and three weeks, but unless you can positively confirm that they are consistently eliminating on their own you need to continue stimulation. How are you keeping/housing them when they are not under supervision? Their environment should always be made for easy inspection of their elimination habits during your absence. Keep it clean at all times. Also, when you say their excrement is "not the cleanest", can you add any further description to this? Do they have loose stools or diarrhea? Diarrhea (almost always caused by overfeeding) is serious and needs to be acted upon immediately so that they do not become dehydrated.

As well, may I ask how they have been with the power-sucking lately? And more importantly, are they still swallowing air during feedings? I had neglected to mention in my previous posts that you must always ensure the babies have stopped swallowing air during their mealtimes before increasing their food intake. Any air swallowed during a feeding fills a portion of their bellies and leaves less room for formula. And so, while you may not have fed them to their stomach's full capacity, the air is taking up a portion of it. You will often see the same symptoms of overfeeding when this happens, even though technically you haven't fed them more formula than they can handle. I believe this is the reason why you have not been seeing enough weight gain. Their stomachs are getting full (partially with air) without getting enough formula in them.