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Steph

Steph

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2014
Messages
432
Location
Maryland, USA
Came out of the bathroom at work to find people trying to kick/step-on a baby wild rat. The vets I take my two to won't see it because it is wild.
I've got it in a box with paper towels until I can get it home and put it into another cage. Gonna keep it in a different room than my two.
It's got a cut toe and it's one eye looks like it's been cut.
Haven't gotten a chance to determine it's sex yet.
I can't just release it. It's too young and moves too slowly to survive.
What should I do?
 
I've got it in the car right now. It's kinda chilly out but it's warm in the car. But my boss wouldn't let me bring it in the store. I get off in 2 hours. I'll get a pic when I get home.
 
Aww, you saved it's life! I want to see a picture too, but I'm not going to be much help... I just want to see a cute wild baby rat! I'm so glad you were there to save him/her!
 
I've known people that have cared for wild squirrels, I'm not sure if they ever found a vet but they've been raising it perfectly fine.
Thank tou for saving the poor little guy/girl ): That situation reminds me of Willard.
Are there any other vets or rat rescues in your area that you could call for advice?
 
I called the woman that I got my rats from. But she's never had to care for babies. She's a rescue but I guess she usually takes adults. And she didn't know anyone else. I think I'm gonna call him/her Howie
Since I found him/her on Howard St and the place I work at is Howard St Electronics
 
Also if you can give some baby rice cereal mixed w/ water or formula , that would be good for Howie. Maybe some sweet corn or carrot Gerber is a fave too!
 
Cuuute. So far you're doing right by it. If eyes and ears are open its got a better chance to make it....
I'm sure others will be much savvier to help. Great job though...lucky fella you were there
 
I've got a little baby food. Might try that later. Right now Howie is hiding. rough day.
He/she has bugs. Don't feel comfortable giving him/her Revolution though cuz he/she is so young. What do you all think?
 
Organic soy infant formula is supposed to be the closest thing to a mama rat's milk
So it is the right thing to feed. Babies nurse until 4 or 5 weeks old, but will also gradually be eating food, starting with soft foods or mush.

Depending on age, baby may be able to eat organic soy infant formula thickened with baby cereal (kind that says add milk)
As baby grows would likely eat lab block mush, and nibble on lab blocks

When older, babies can not get water out of water bottles, although it may look like they can, so a shallow water dish that can not be upset is important
Baby could likely use a small stuffed animal to snuggle with (make sure does not contain anything dangerous if baby chews it)

You will need to handle the baby a lot, bond with him/her and socialize well as s/he can not be released as will not be able to survive. Rats live in social groups and the baby would be alone. Other wild rats would view it as a possible enemy and kill it.

When baby is about 3 or 4 weeks, you will want to put it with a 5 or 6 week old same sex baby to be friends, learn how to be a pet rat etc
Socializing the baby well and getting the baby to bond closely with you is essential for the baby to be happy living in captivity, as is bonding it with a pet baby when a bit older

congrats!! and hope the baby does well
 
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Is it a rat? seems a bit small. It almost seems more mouse size. We raised 4 white footed mice and we still have them. They are in a cage split up and they do funny things. We lost one for some reason but the others are doing well and growing. We fed them from just a over a week old their eyes were still shut. but they were pretty small and they seem like this size. I havent seen wild rats but I would guess their size is pretty close to our rats size?

I knwo a few have halfies and a girl on my fb had roof rats? No clue but I think a lot of people keep them but they are not as tamed as the others.
 

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