How Quickly Do Rats Have Babies?
WouterThe answer to the question, how quickly do rats have babies, depends on several factors. A female rat’s reproductive age will vary by individual rat line and can range from nine to 18 months of age. It is possible for a female rat to have a litter up to 100 times during her lifetime. However, as the reproductive system ages, babies may become more susceptible to birth defects, problem pregnancies, and labor difficulties. Male rats can impregnate a female rat as early as five weeks of age and can breed for most of their life.
The average rat mother’s labor and delivery usually lasts an hour, with a baby born every five to 10 minutes. The average litter size is six to 13 pups. The mother will begin to exhibit signs of labor when a bloody discharge begins to come out of her vulva. She will also begin to stretch and suck in her sides as she goes through contractions. Once the babies are born, the mother will spend the first few minutes of the delivery cleaning and feeding the baby. She will also lick and eat the umbilical cord and placenta.
The gestation period for rats is around 21 days. A pregnant female will have a fuller chest and belly and look rounder. When you notice your female rat is pregnant, you should immediately take her to the vet for a physical examination. It is important not to try to feel the babies yourself as you may injure the babies or even kill them.
