Rescued infant. Can (should) I keep it?

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amykins

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About a week ago, I found an orphaned infant literally under the wheel of my car in a shopping center parking lot. I thought it was dead, but on closer inspection, I could see it was breathing. Having no idea where it might have come from, I decided to bring it home & try to nurse it back to health, figuring our chances were slim. Well, six days later, we’re doing well & gaining a little weight. Coat is coming in (variegated brown/black body with white belly & feet), and were passing waste pretty well (pooping independently, but still needing help with urination). Eyes remain closed, so I’m assuming we’re still under two weeks. I found this little one in very close proximity to a pet store & it was only 3grams (underweight, based on what I’ve read). Someone suggested that perhaps it was rejected by the mother & “released” by the pet store. I just can’t imagine how a days old rat would wander across a parking lot by itself? So my first question is, having no clue whether this precious critter is wild or domesticated, how do I determine whether it’s best kept as a pet or released? Having cared for it for days now, I admit I’ve grown attached. I appreciate any insight, experience & advice you can offer. Thanks in advance.
 
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So glad that you found the baby and that it is doing well.

The baby is likely a pet purchased for reptile food and dropped .... but regardless, the baby can never be released. If it survives it will need to be a pet, hopefully with other rattie friends
There is info on this site on raising orphans http://www.ratshackforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21486 and on doing intros when it is older http://www.ratshackforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32368
Here is a group on facebook that has members with a lot of experience raising orphaned babies Deer Mouse Domesticated & Friends https://www.facebook.com/groups/727990597271456/

Here is some info on Rhydian, an orphaned infant rattie http://www.ratshackforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23622&highlight=Wild+baby

Please try to get a nursing mama with a litter asap to add the baby to ... that is its best chance at survival.
Babies that young have almost no chance of survival otherwise.
I have read that squirrel replacement milk (infant formula) http://www.mcssl.com/store/17128612/milk-replacers is the closest thing to a mama rat's milk (but still not good enough when they are that young) ...... babies that seem to be doing well often die after 5 days or so because they are not getting what they need so I hope you can find a nursing mama
You probably are already aware, but do not give the baby to a pet store or a feeder breeder ...... and wildlife centers often use baby rodents as food for other animals

I really hope the baby survives
 
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Thanks for your replies. Sadly, my little nugget assed away yesterday. S/he got diarrhea on Saturday PM & wasn’t her/his-self on Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon s/he passed away. I learned so much from this experience & really feel like a changed person. I wish I could have done more, but I’m glad Whiskers didn’t meet her or his end in a damp, cold parking lot. And I feel like Whiskers somehow understood that s/he was loved & safe with me.

Thanks for the support. It was helpful & comforting. 💗🐭
 
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