PSA: Pregnancy

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Separation

Once you have impregnated your female rat, separating may be the best option, especially before the pups are born. Pregnate females may act more aggressive and lash out at their cagemates. Once the pups are born, although your rats cagemates won't purposefully harm them, female rats have been known to steal other rats pups due to their strong maternal instinct. If your mother catches them doing this, it could result in a tug of war, which is dangerous for the pup.

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Enclosure

During pregnancy, it's acceptable to keep your female in a tank as the low ventilation raises the temperature, making her more comfortable (especially when raising the pups). You may also use a 1-2 level cage, just make sure the bar spacing is small enough to contain the babies when they're born. A bin cage may also be used.

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Dietary Requirements

You'll need to make sure your female rat is getting a very nutritious diet, avoid fatty and sugary foods while she's pregnant. Additionally, you'll need to up her protein intake, many owners achieve this with hard boiled eggs.

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Behavior

When pregnant, your female mag act more aggressive than usual. She may hoard food and she won't react to your males scent. You may also notice her nipples becoming more prominent as the pregnancy progresses. Additionally, your female will gain alot of weight as the pregnancy progresses, usually 2 weeks into the pregnancy. Avoid feeling her stomach for pups, as this could damage them. A few days before birth, your female will rapidly build nests in her cage out of the bedding, as such it might be wise to provide her with nesting material.

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