Right from the start of this information let me say that breeding rats is irresponsible and extremely stupid. Harsh words but true. Unless you are a bona fida Rattery you shouldn't be breeding. You are, if you do, helping bring down the efforts that we in the rat world are making to improve the breeds and raise the standards of rats. If you purchase a pedegree rat DONT BREED IT. If you purchase a petstore rat DONT BREED IT.
However, accidents happen. Rats escape and find a way to the opposite sex, rats arrive (from petstores) pregnant and you need help. So here is some information to help you along. Please note though that the FIRST thing I suggest you do is contact a breeder for assistance. Jackalhead Rattery or Runebound Rattery in
Rats are ingenious masters of mating, so to speak. 10 seconds alone and the deed can be done. Cages to close together and the deed can be done (or having a wire divider), within moments rats can mate and be pregnant with up to around 15 babies. While this may seem cute now, finding homes for them later is a problem. Always assume your rats are waaaaaaaaaay smarter then you give them credit for. This idea that rats in the wild give birth from day blob so what’s wrong and why the worry with domestics is annoying to say the least. Domestic rats have been domestic for around 100 years and simply shouldn’t breed till around 6 months old. Just because human girls can get pregnant from around 12 years old, that doesn’t mean they SHOULD.
WHAT TO DO IF SHE IS PREGNANT
The first thing to remember is that pregnant does and rats up to 8 weeks old need additional protein. The easiest way to do this is to make a daily sloppy mix of pronutro or baby cereal with some Soya milk. Also, feed mom some boiled eggs (they love them in the shell and will take ages deshelling) and meat.
Mommy rat is going to want to make a nest. Shredded paper is a great thing to use as unlike fabric, little threads aren't a danger to the rittens (baby rats). Make sure she has lots of food and fresh water at all times.
DON’T have a level in the cage as I will GUARANTEE you that she will think it’s a great place to have her babies.
DO ensure that she is in a nice, quiet spot with her cage where she feels safe and content but has entertainment.Once the babies arrive dont faff with bedding etc. Leave her cage as it is for as long as possible before geeeently cleaning it.
DO keep handling her GENTLY until the birth. Even if this just means putting your hand in the cage to stroke her. Once the babies are there you will need to gauge if she will let you handle them. My pregnant petstore doe was sweet up to when she had her babies and then turned into Attilla the Rat for 24hours after the babies arrived, and then was fine again. Babies can be handled as soon as mommy says its fine and doesn’t go for you! MAKE HYGIENE A PRIORITY THO.
DO get to know a good small animals vet as if something goes wrong during the birth (ESPECIALLY with a rat of under 6 months old) you may need them.
DO CONTACT US IF YOU NEED HELP WITH THIS OR SUSPECT YOUR RAT MAY BE PREGNANT
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