lupusfiasco
New Member
Hi all,
Need urgent advice - earlier today I was thrown into shock when I saw that my female rat had given birth. She had shown virtually no signs of pregnancy. She seems to be caring for them well right now, and both her and the kittens seem healthy, but I'm very unsure of what to do. She has an un-neutered male sibling/cagemate (please dont judge, this was not intentional, he was incorrectly sexed upon purchase and he impregnated her before I could schedule his neutering after figuring out he was male, I was unaware he was even capable of impregnating her yet). Despite how much I love them now, I did not intend to have pet rats at all (long story for another day), and by the time they were brought to me, I hadn't yet done enough research on when they hit sexual maturity.
ANYWAYS... (here's where I need advice)
1.) I know I have to separate the male from the mama and her babies, but should I place the male in his own cage, or the mamas and the babies in their own cage? Right now they're all sharing a giant critter nation (the mama and babies are staying in this tent like thing I purchased for them), and I have a smaller cage that I was going to use to bring them to the vet in (Kaytee Rat Home). I put the male in the Rat Home until I figure out what to do. I know once the babies start exploring theres risk of them slipping through the cage bars, but the cracks seems so thin I cant imagine that happening? Even as pinkies they already seem too large. Who should I put where? If needed, I can also get an aquarium tank, or potentially find a way to section off the top level of the cage.
2.) Is there anything I have to do for the babies aside from handling them daily and making sure food/water is easily accessible once they're old enough to eat solid food? What about the mom? I've been giving her extra protein.
3.) These are very unfortunately kittens of a brother and sister, do I have to worry about any health conditions or deformities? I was going to keep 2 of them (and get them properly sexed this time!).
4.) If I separate the male, I worry about him feeling isolated. I can place the cage in a way that he can still smell and see the mom and the kittens, but wouldnt be able to interact with them. If hes going to be in there for a few weeks, should I get him a male cagemate? Prior to this litter situation I had wanted to get another rat or 2 anyway. I'd rather not, but if theres concern for his health in being isolated, I will.
Thank you!
Need urgent advice - earlier today I was thrown into shock when I saw that my female rat had given birth. She had shown virtually no signs of pregnancy. She seems to be caring for them well right now, and both her and the kittens seem healthy, but I'm very unsure of what to do. She has an un-neutered male sibling/cagemate (please dont judge, this was not intentional, he was incorrectly sexed upon purchase and he impregnated her before I could schedule his neutering after figuring out he was male, I was unaware he was even capable of impregnating her yet). Despite how much I love them now, I did not intend to have pet rats at all (long story for another day), and by the time they were brought to me, I hadn't yet done enough research on when they hit sexual maturity.
ANYWAYS... (here's where I need advice)
1.) I know I have to separate the male from the mama and her babies, but should I place the male in his own cage, or the mamas and the babies in their own cage? Right now they're all sharing a giant critter nation (the mama and babies are staying in this tent like thing I purchased for them), and I have a smaller cage that I was going to use to bring them to the vet in (Kaytee Rat Home). I put the male in the Rat Home until I figure out what to do. I know once the babies start exploring theres risk of them slipping through the cage bars, but the cracks seems so thin I cant imagine that happening? Even as pinkies they already seem too large. Who should I put where? If needed, I can also get an aquarium tank, or potentially find a way to section off the top level of the cage.
2.) Is there anything I have to do for the babies aside from handling them daily and making sure food/water is easily accessible once they're old enough to eat solid food? What about the mom? I've been giving her extra protein.
3.) These are very unfortunately kittens of a brother and sister, do I have to worry about any health conditions or deformities? I was going to keep 2 of them (and get them properly sexed this time!).
4.) If I separate the male, I worry about him feeling isolated. I can place the cage in a way that he can still smell and see the mom and the kittens, but wouldnt be able to interact with them. If hes going to be in there for a few weeks, should I get him a male cagemate? Prior to this litter situation I had wanted to get another rat or 2 anyway. I'd rather not, but if theres concern for his health in being isolated, I will.
Thank you!