UPDATE! She just had 8 little rats :3!!

[Jewlzeh]

So we got her (Nutmeg) and another female cagemate 18 days ago, and I'm fairly sure at least one (if not both!) are pregnant. It definitely got a **** of a lot fatter anyway @_@;

So uh, is there stuff I should generally know?

Do I need to separate the two girls? The pet shop said I didn't, btu I don't really trust them and I'd rather have opinions here.

Also, do pregnant rats get more defensive? Because it just bit me. Not enough to draw blood, but it's the first time she's bitten me.

Should I be feeding her food higher in protein now? I get the feeling she's going to have them pretty soon then.


Any help is appreciated :3


Okay, so is there anything I can do to help?
I'm not sure if she's had them all or not.

It was between 2am and morning when she had them, so I wasnt able to get any other cage. She had them on the second floor of my cage >< What should I do about it?

[Rattiegma]

Yes, yes, and yes. Lol You will need to seperate the females, and put them both in "nursery" cages, if you do think they're both pregnant.

Some rats will get more defensive, some won't, but definitely be careful. I've read a lot on here about people getting their only rat bite from a pregnant or nursing mother. So definitely be cautious, because those hormones will be goin crazy, and she may bite.

And yes, you may want to feed her a little bit more protein, such as some scrambled eggs. Not too much, though, especially bc you're not sure yet if she's pregnant, because too much protein will cause problems.

Good luck, and keep us updated. And try to get some pictures of their bellies if you can.

[rat_ratscal]

and by nursery cages rattiegma means one level, no hammocks, paper towel for nesting, preferably a 10 gallon tank with secure mesh/screen lid that way no babies can escape through the bars.

belly pics could help us alot : )

[dragonegg]

Canned cat food is also good for extra protein, or chicken bones. Keep a dropper and a can of soy formula ready, in case the babies have trouble nursing.

Good luck! (Hope for you they're not both pregnant...I just went through that with mine)

[Jewlzeh]

I'm pretty sure the rat is making a nest already on a second level @_@;;~ It really worries me tbh. Should I put everything on the bottom floor to encourage it?

I can't get a cage until tomorrow and I get this feeling its going to happen really soon~

I'm pretty sure they're at least on different stages of pregnancy. One of them is much fatter than the other.

I'll TRY to get belly pics, but it's really difficult xD;

[A1APassion]

you will need to find something you can place her in because if you move everything around in the cage she is currently in she will most likely just put it all back & this could cause her unnecessary stress with the additional physical activity... she is going to need her strength when it comes time to have those babies.

Is there anyway you can block off the upper part of the cage or remove shelves or whatever? If not try to get out & get a cage tonight. You can convert a plastic storage container into a perfectly fine nursery that is suitable for long term. I don't know where you live but if you have late night pharmacy type stores or something like a 24 hour Walmart.. you can get this any time of day/night.

[Rattiegma]

and by nursery cages rattiegma means one level, no hammocks, paper towel for nesting, preferably a 10 gallon tank with secure mesh/screen lid that way no babies can escape through the bars.

belly pics could help us alot : )

haha thanks, I should've added that but I was running really late for class already and didn't really have time to elaborate.

[lovinmyworm]

You need to get a new cage for them. Even if it's a temporary cage! The babies will start moving and can fall from the second floor and get hurt or die. Another option which I haven't seen your cage is to try to put something to block off the cage levels so that she has the entire second floor to herself and the babies and that the babies can't fall through and mom can't move so they can fall through. Also, be super carefull mom is hormonal right now and she is likely to bite if you stick your hand anywhere near her!

[Jewlzeh]

I can block the second floor, but should I keep my other cagemate rat on the second floor, or separate her onto the first floor?

I was planning on buying another cage or something soon, but I'm not too sure how to move the baby rats ><;

[rat_ratscal]

only momma and the babes should be on the second floor, other girl on the first : )