I may be in over my head (photo)

[emberanne]

A friend told a friend told a friend-etc...long story short:
I now have a young rat- no idea if its male or female. ( I'd say female but far from an expert)
I couldn't say no!-I didnt want it to end up getting dumped at a petshop.
AND....If its a girl it might even be pregnant because it was part of a feeder rat bunch that was all housed together.
No idea of how old it is other than its smaller-so Im guessing it's still pretty young yet.

Impulsive me, bad bad impulsive me. I could be in big trouble if its a female and she's pregnant :S
Now, my initial idea was we'll just keep it til we can find a good home so it doesn't end up being fed to a snake somewhere....

But,well...you know.... I've had it home for 2 hours and am already in love. I want to keeeep it.
But Im also concerned because I really dont know if it's healthy, male/female and possibly pregnant which would NOT make my Hubby very happy at all!! eek! Trying not to think about that.
Um, well....HELP!?!

So far, its in a different room than our other rat.
it looks young and healthy as far as what I can visibly see: shiny coat, clean eyes, mouth, ears. Not skittish or fearful-like.

.....now what do I do? Just wait?

Thanks in advance for the help and advise guys.

 

[SQ]

pictures?

 

[jorats]

Pictures would help a great deal.
If you see a lump under the tail, it's a male. If you see nipples, it's a female.
How young do you think she is? Is she smaller than your hand? If she's 6 weeks and under, there's a good chance she's not pregnant.
We are here to help you through whatever may happen.

 

[emberanne]

I havent taken any yet, I was worried about handling him/her too soon.

I came here first for advice!

 

[jorats]

I havent taken any yet, I was worried about handling him/her too soon.

I came here first for advice!

Go and feel him/her up and come and let us know the gender. :stickpoke: :nod:

 

[emberanne]

okies! I will go take a peek under it's skirt

 

[emberanne]

99% positive it's a female.
She didn't like me picking her up very much!
I couldnt get a pic of her underbelly-she was too squirmy, but I didnt see any male parts at all.
best pic I could get she's glaring at me from atop the food dish.

 

[Petunia]

:laugh4:

waiting with suspenders on for the verdict

Edit: our posts must have crossed, sorry! usually I get a notice about that

she's cute, I don't think she's glaring, I think she's just checking you out real good lol and making sure you stay away from the noms
:giggle:

 

[jorats]

She's tiny! I bet she's in the clear. And a little friend for Navi!

 

[emberanne]

She's tiny! I bet she's in the clear. And a little friend for Navi!

Oh gee, I sure hope so!

I guess we'll see! I reeeeally hope we can keep her.

 

[hopefloats]

evil glare... I hate seeing that look on a rats face lol usually followed by and "ouch" and a colorful band-aide.