Okay so I was given 2 female rats and recently we noticed that my older rat (Chunky) looked extremely pregnant. I immediately checked my newer rat (Remi) and it looked like he had tiny little balls starting to drop. I separated them a couple days later after doing lots of research to make sure she had a safe and healthy pregnancy. It's been 3 1/2 almost 4 weeks since they've been separated and she still hasn't popped yet, I'm starting to get worried about her. I decided to check Remi again today and there are no balls and now there are nipples which I hadn't noticed before. This is my first time owning rats and even though I've done tons of research I have no idea what's going on with them. If you have any information or advice please do share.
Little rat beans
Can rats change genders
If you can see nipples, they're female. I'd figure it out quickly because it's not great for rats so young to be in isolation.
I'm sorry for the wait guys I will be getting pictures today we had some stuff come up and I was pretty busy. I'll be making a vent appointment within the next couple days to check them out and yes I'm aware of how stupid it sounds to ask if rats can change their genders but I legitimately could not think of another explanation. I'll update as soon as possible thanks for the patience and advice.
Just fyi, if Remi has nipples she is definitely female. Male rats do not have nipples whatsoever. Like CorbinDallasMyMan said above. Also, from the date of your original post and the info you shared, Chunky would have had her babies by now. Gestation is 21-24 days.
I know and from what I can tell Remi does have nipples and Chunky hasn't had babies but she's also not getting any smaller so I ended up putting them back together and within the first 10 minutes of being reunited Remi was mounting Chunky repeatedly. I'm not so worried that she'd be pregnant anymore because obviously it's been way to long for a rat pregnancy. Overall I feel stupid for even making such a ridiculous post but I've never had something like this happen and I needed some guidance. You guys have been super helpful and I seriously appreciate that.
Good on ya for being curious! Rats are seriously bizarre little creatures, and now you know. They may not 'change' genders but they can certainly fool us sometimes!!
No worries! A lot of folks have trouble telling the sex of young rats. Your question is not ridiculous. Some species can indeed change their sex, just not rats.
I just thought I would chime in because it can be reassuring to hear the same answer from more than one person.
Aaand... maybe you realize this by now, but humping behaviour amongst female rats is totally common and normal for them!
I just thought I would chime in because it can be reassuring to hear the same answer from more than one person.
Aaand... maybe you realize this by now, but humping behaviour amongst female rats is totally common and normal for them!
I have definitely realized that is a normal thing now thank you guys so much for helping me and I do have some pictures if you'd still like to see them. I just didn't want Chunky to be pregnant and then something go wrong because I was unsure of the situation. I want to be the best rat parents I can be for these sweet babies.
This is big girl Chunky
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her nips still look really noticable to me I don't know if that means anything or not
And this is (previously confused about gender) Remi
![Image]()
i can't get great pictures of Remi I apologize she doesn't enjoy being handled too much
And this is (previously confused about gender) Remi
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