How Soon Can Rats Get Pregnant?

Rats can become pregnant very early in life, as early as two weeks. At this point, the mother rat will grow larger and start to display signs of pregnancy. Her belly will be more rounded and larger than usual, and she will require more protein, water, and nutrients. A pregnant rat’s gestation period is about 22 days, although it may be shorter or longer. The postpartum period of pregnancy lasts for about 28 days. In the final stages of pregnancy, the rat’s belly will expand, the hips will widen, and her lower abdomen will become significantly rounder.

After birth, female rats go into postpartum estrus. This is the time when they will begin to develop a nest. The female will also eat more than usual during the last few days of pregnancy. A female rat that has just been delivered will usually go into heat within a few hours of giving birth. If she does not give birth in this time, veterinarians will likely recommend antibiotics to prevent infection.

Although rat breeding is recommended at an earlier age, rats can become pregnant anytime. Some breeders breed at three months and then allow the mothers to get older, but you should avoid breeding too early for fear of endangering the mother rat.