Hi everyone,
I got two female rats three weeks ago and one of them gave birth to nine two days ago (the guy I got them from swore they'd been kept separate from the males, either he's clueless or I have nine Jesus rats). Thinking back, the signs were there but I didn't think. It was only when I heard tiny squeaks coming from the corner of the cage I realised what had happened!
Anyway, I've been reading up over the last couple of days and managed to clue myself up (never dealt with litters before) and think I've just about got it, but I wanted to make sure there wasn't anything I'm missing.
So far the litter are great, I'm keeping an eye as one didn't have a milk band yesterday but they all seem to today. Both adult rats are still in the cage together. The nest is on the other side to the hammock and the other rat is staying well away. I'm keeping an eye, but so far she doesn't seem that fussed. Momma seems to be doing really well, she's pretty on it. The main thing I'm struggling with is that the nest is in a corner under a platform, so its not the most accessible and I can't see the litter at all. Because I had no idea they were coming there's no box or maternity cage, so she's made it out of a pile of cardboard and tissue. The only way I can check the litter is by scrambling around to get them and I can't see what I'm doing. She's been fine with me doing this, she just watches then after a couple of minutes moves them back from where I'm checking them into the nest. I did wonder if it was worth me moving her out briefly so I could put down a box and put the nest in that back in the corner so I can check them without having to keep grabbing at them, but I'm not sure if she'll take to it. There's been no casualties so far and I'd very much like to keep it that way, but I really want to keep an eye on their tummies.
There was some mild panic when I found the litter but I'm so excited for it now and determined to get it right (and already heartbroken for when most of them get rehomed. Definitely keeping a couple though!) Any help would be hugely appreciated!
Here are the pink beans!
I got two female rats three weeks ago and one of them gave birth to nine two days ago (the guy I got them from swore they'd been kept separate from the males, either he's clueless or I have nine Jesus rats). Thinking back, the signs were there but I didn't think. It was only when I heard tiny squeaks coming from the corner of the cage I realised what had happened!
Anyway, I've been reading up over the last couple of days and managed to clue myself up (never dealt with litters before) and think I've just about got it, but I wanted to make sure there wasn't anything I'm missing.
So far the litter are great, I'm keeping an eye as one didn't have a milk band yesterday but they all seem to today. Both adult rats are still in the cage together. The nest is on the other side to the hammock and the other rat is staying well away. I'm keeping an eye, but so far she doesn't seem that fussed. Momma seems to be doing really well, she's pretty on it. The main thing I'm struggling with is that the nest is in a corner under a platform, so its not the most accessible and I can't see the litter at all. Because I had no idea they were coming there's no box or maternity cage, so she's made it out of a pile of cardboard and tissue. The only way I can check the litter is by scrambling around to get them and I can't see what I'm doing. She's been fine with me doing this, she just watches then after a couple of minutes moves them back from where I'm checking them into the nest. I did wonder if it was worth me moving her out briefly so I could put down a box and put the nest in that back in the corner so I can check them without having to keep grabbing at them, but I'm not sure if she'll take to it. There's been no casualties so far and I'd very much like to keep it that way, but I really want to keep an eye on their tummies.
There was some mild panic when I found the litter but I'm so excited for it now and determined to get it right (and already heartbroken for when most of them get rehomed. Definitely keeping a couple though!) Any help would be hugely appreciated!
Here are the pink beans!
