Do Rats Give Birth?
WouterYou may be wondering, “Do rats give birth?” You may be surprised to know that female rats are remarkably good mothers, but they do have problems giving birth to their babies. In some cases, female rats may not be able to cope with the stress of giving birth, which can be caused by environmental disturbances, pain during the birth process, or a poor diet. Fortunately, it is possible to remove any babies that may have remained in the mother’s womb.
During pregnancy, female mammals are highly attracted to the placenta and amniotic fluid. This is why many nulliparous animals find the afterbirth repugnant. The rat reproductive system is complex, and the rat’s vagina and uterus have two separate chambers.
A pregnant mother stays inside her nest most of the time, coming out only when she’s hungry. A special diet, containing yoghurt and cheese, is recommended for pregnant rats. Some rats can be aggressive when pregnant. Even a tame pet rat can turn into a fierce lion if it feels threatened.
Another way to learn about birth is to watch breeding colonies. Female rats should be kept in a warm, dry place. If they give birth outside their nest, they may be at risk for developing a disorder called dystocia. In these colonies, you must carefully monitor the time around the birth so that you can minimize stress and pain in the pups.
