How Rats Give Birth
WouterRats are amazing mothers, but there are a few issues that can arise during labor. Stress can be a factor and a stressed mother rat may kill her babies. To prevent this, keep a close eye on the mother and the pups. It is important that the mom is not disturbed while giving birth. Monitor her behavior, particularly for excessive bleeding and gasps. In severe cases, the pup may be lodged in the birth canal.
Most babies are delivered naturally, and a mother rat should have one or two babies within an hour. However, if the labor is prolonged or there are complications, a veterinarian may be needed. In these cases, oxytocin, the hormone that a pregnant woman secretes during childbirth, can help the mother deliver the babies. A veterinarian may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
Baby rats are small and resemble mice, but have ears and eyes. They also have developed fur. During the last 14 days, they still need to be fed by their mother, so it is advisable to keep an eye on them. The pups are not fully grown, but their mother’s body odor and sound may alert you to the presence of a pup.
Rats can have multiple litters, so it is important to make sure you provide ample space for the babies to grow up. If you are keeping more than one rat, be sure to keep each one in a large cage, with everything they need. The cages should be at least four feet square, and should be placed close to the ground. If your rats are placed too high, they may fall, which could be deadly.
