Really very upset, Lili seems to be pregnant.

[Poisoned]

This was a total accident. I've never had an accident with them ever.

About 2.5/3 weeks ago my friend brought her three rats over - my former rescue litter - because she was giving them away due to moving 1400 miles to be with her mother, who said if she brought rats she'd probably toss them outside (I would have taken them, but that's me) and wanted me to meet their adopter at my house. The adopter was great, very excited and adopted all three brother's together.
NOW, while waiting for him she asked if she could go see my ratties in their room. I didn't go with her because she knows rats and I trusted her with them. Adopter got here while she was in the back room and I called her, after meeting him and talking for a while me and her went to Petco to pick up some feeders and whatnot, we were gone about 2hrs.

Apparently she forgot to close BOTH Splinters' cage and Lilith and Katana's cage. Lilith was IN Splinter's cage with him and Sam - Sam is Lilith's son - apparently she got out of her cage, found her way to the floor, climbed up a bookshelf and THEN into Splinters' cage.. I've had her on pregnancy watch since then, but I really didn't think she would be. I have been feeding and treating her like she is pregnant JUST in case. In the last two days she's looked like there is a balloon swelling inside of her. And she's been moving ALL of the bedding to cover up her igloo, rolling Katana over all day and pushing her around, and squeaking when I touch or pick her up.

Dealing with the litter she had before - because of ANOTHER idiot in my house! - was very stressful for me, finding good homes for them and keeping up with the new owners.. I have taken in three sick, sad rats in the last couple months. Right NOW I'm at my limit, I cannot keep her babies. And I don't know who got her pregnant. The one person I talked to said to CO2 them and give them to a herp owner- I can't do that. It's my fault for not checking behind my friend.

 

[temblabamomo]

Try not to beat yourself up over it. You would not be the first experienced rat owner to end up with an Oops Litter. Accidents happen. We must accept them, and move on to make the best of things.

Don't know much about females, but I assume if she's to the point where she's showing, then she's close to giving birth. Assuming that's what's going on, I will keep my fingers crossed for a very small litter.

 

[Dahlas]

Try not to beat yourself up over it. You would not be the first experienced rat owner to end up with an Oops Litter. Accidents happen. We must accept them, and move on to make the best of things.

Don't know much about females, but I assume if she's to the point where she's showing, then she's close to giving birth. Assuming that's what's going on, I will keep my fingers crossed for a very small litter.

You are certainly not the first person this has happened to...and unfortunately won't be the last. Again only reinforces my belief that all rats in the home should either be all one sex or should all be spayed and neutered...but what done is done. If you are able I would highly recommend a pregnant spay but if not well get ready for babies..sounds like they are on their way.

 

[jennifervb]

Despite the valid reasons for not wanting pregnancies... they do happen... and we all love following them.

If a living thing wants to reproduce... then it will find a way. It's how life works and it is no one's fault. You didn't intentionally try to breed her. There is a HUGE difference! :love6: :bunnydance:

 

[SQ]

I am very sorry that you are in this postion.

I realise that you would never do this, but for the sake of others that may not know,
I want to mention that CO2 is NOT a humane way to kill rats ... it causes great pain and suffering.
The only humane way to have rats pts is to have a knowledgable vet inject an unconscious rat.
(see viewtopic.php?f=26&t=18828 and viewtopic.php?f=26&t=9582 )

 

[Joanne]

It's really not your fault, but it is pretty damn irresponsible of your friend to leave the cages open. I mean, REALLY? Does she leave her house for the day and leave the front door open? :roll:

 

[Poisoned]

I am one of those people who see abortions/pregnant spays as the same as just waiting until they're born and putting them down. How do they kill the unborn babies after they remove them?

I remember years ago reading on my tarantula forum about CO2. Even they said they wouldn't use it on a mouse/rat/pinkies even. They were discussing euthanizing insects with it prior to feeding, and when someone suggested using it for rodents, everyone jumped saying it was not a pleasant way to go. Then again, neither is a tarantula eating you alive I refuse to go into one pet store anymore (Animal Jungle) because they had live rat pups in the birdeating tarantulas cage. I threw a fit, it's not even good for the tarantulas- in fact, it's bad for them, so it's an UNNECESSARY evil.

Well.. Miss Lilith is really rooting around her cage, I moved her to her own yesterday so nobody would get hurt and she can relax.

 

[Poisoned]

I will keep you guys updated and how it progresses. When she had her litter of sixteen, she was easily twice this size when she was showing. So I am really hoping this is a small litter and I can find them all homes with people I know.


Now I'm going to have to consider what to do with the adults once this is said and done. Splinter and Shredder are old, and Shredder is not that healthy. So I would not have them done- I don't think they have much longer left. Sam, Ben, and Archer are all young boys and would probably handle a neuter well. I imagine it's easier to recover from than a spay, or I'd get the girls done.

 

[Poisoned]

I'm expecting babies really soon.. She nailed my hand out of nowhere last night, right on the knuckle so it didn't stop bleeding forever.

Which makes me pretty sad, she'd come a long way with me as far as trust. Hopefully she goes back to herself after these babies. She was very aggressive last litter too.

I'll make sure to get you guys tons of baby pics if everything goes smooth and after they've had a while to bond.

 

[Joanne]

I would never take a bite to heart from a mom who is ready to give birth at any time. I know my sister-in-law was pretty dangerous too! LOL! But seriously, the only time my Jazzy bit me was when I was messing with her and her cage/nest. She had babies that night. I did, however, always remove her from the cage before trying to handle the babies as I thought she would be pretty protective. I had only had her a couple of weeks so she didn't know me or trust me much. She ended up being one of my favourites!

 

[Poisoned]

No, I was a little surprised but I understand. She's in no mood.

She hasn't had them yet, so I'm started to get a little concerned, she's active and taking food from me to hide it, she's rearranging the bedding in her nest several times a day. And her belly is getting bigger. Maybe it was a false pregnancy. I'm not certain on the date that she was with the males though.

 

[lilspaz68]

I am one of those people who see abortions/pregnant spays as the same as just waiting until they're born and putting them down. How do they kill the unborn babies after they remove them?

I had this discussion with my vet...when there's an e-spay, the babies are not viable and die very quickly once the uterus is removed. They are not aware. You don't hear of premie litters being born and living (even a day or 2 early), they are so under-developed they just die. If they are born and then put down, its a much less pleasant option by far.

 

[lilspaz68]

How old is Lili? Have you been weighing her daily, or can you start? This gives you a real idea on how the pregnancy is progressing, and how soon before birth.

How long exactly has it been since your friend was over? Did you email someone about the adopter coming over then you have a starting date

 

[*Rebel_Angel*]

Aww I'm so sorry this happened but.. babies!

 

[jennifervb]

Aww I'm so sorry this happened but.. babies!

:bunnydance: :cheeky: :love6: :heart:

 

[Poisoned]

I really don't know much about spay/aborts. Thanks.

Let me see, it was the 12th actually, not as long as I thought.

Boy I hope Geisha didn't come to me pregnant - her old owner supposedly had males too - if she is, I'm going to have a baby overload :shock: But I have enough items, time, and $$ to care for them, I just didn't WANT to right now. I've been feeding her like she's pregnant as well just in case.

I moved my girlies where they'll have to morph through a door that stays closed to get to any boys.

 

[Joanne]

Don't let your friend come over either, and you'll be OK. LOL!

 

[Rusty]

Awh no!! :c
I hope everything goes well with the delivery!
Do rat mama's get a little agressive when they are close to giving birth?
How is the bite on your hand.

 

[Poisoned]

Well, SHE does, and I've heard that a lot of others do too.

Fine, no infection or anything, she mostly cut me because I pulled away.

Still no babies! She looks uncomfortable but is still eating.

 

[Poisoned]