[LUVLULU92]

I was told by the pet store my rat was a boy but when I took him to the vet the vet told me he was a hermaphrodite turns out she is pregnant and I am not a breeder any advice will be greatly appreciated

 

[Clarkbar]

It's going to be okay. Many of us have had surprise babies. Here is a page about what to expect and how to take care of baby rats and mom.

Baby Rat Care: 6 Basics to Know When Caring for Newborns | Animallama

If you find yourself playing grandparent to a pregnant mum and her babies, read our best baby rat care tips from our firsthand experience.

www.animallama.com

 

[TwilxghtRat]

Don’t freak out! This is a fun experience and baby rats are so cute
I recommend going to this page: Is my new rat pregnant?. and reading through all of it. Sadly the mama didn’t actually have babies, but there is lots of helpful info on there!

 

[_dizzy_]

Oh wow, I thought hermaphrodite mammals were infertile. There's lots of helpful websites and Brad's to read. Go through the accidental litter forum.

Caring for Accidental Litters

Help and assistance with caring for your rat and her babies if she has accidentally become pregnant or you suspect she may be. Please do not discuss intentional breeding here.

www.ratforum.com

 

[Rex the Rat]

I never heard of rats being hermaphroditic! I’d love to hear how she does.

 

[Enne]

My guess is the vet didn't know what they were looking at. Unless you have photos of said pregnant rat with visible testicles? That would be interesting.

There is plenty of info here on the forum about oops litters!

 

[LUVLULU92]

Nyla had a ultrasound done but the vet said she was too small to tell if she was pregnant but this morning at 5am she gave birth to a healthy litter of 11 pups and I was super surprised because even tho I suspected of her pregnancy for some time after hearing that nyla is a hermaphrodite I did so research and read that most hermaphrodites are infertile but surprise surprise she gave birth and she has been doing a great job caring for them but I am worried about her because she seems stressed out every time I go check on her she seems desperate to get out of the cage and free roam and play but idk what to do to help her

 

[Rex the Rat]

Do the babies have milk bands?

 

[LUVLULU92]

Do the babies have milk bands?

Yes I check on them everyday and they are 1 week old today starting to get some peach fuzz😁🙏

 

[lfraser06]

I think it would be ok to give mom a short break. No one wants a stressed mother.

 

[cattyratties]

Yeah, I'd say you're good to give her a little bit of playtime (in a very secured area, don't want any lost mommas) for no longer than half an hour at a time so she can nurse her littles. good luck, you're doing great!