It can be distressing to discover that a mother rat is not looking after her babies. It’s important to act quickly to ensure the survival of the young rats.
There are several reasons why a mother rat may refuse to look after her babies, including illness, stress, or simply not having enough milk to feed them. Regardless of the cause, there are steps you can take to help the baby rats thrive.
If you notice that a mother rat is not looking after her babies, the first thing you should do is provide them with a warm, safe environment. This can be achieved by creating a nest box and lining it with soft bedding material.
You can also use a heating pad or hot water bottle to keep the babies warm. It’s important to handle the babies as little as possible to avoid stressing them out.
Next, you’ll need to take over the care of the baby rats. This involves feeding them a special formula, which can be purchased from a pet store or made at home.
You’ll need to feed the babies every few hours, around the clock. It’s important to monitor their weight gain and make sure they are growing and developing properly. With proper care, the baby rats can thrive and grow into healthy adults.
Reasons Why a Mother Rat May Reject Her Babies
It can be distressing to witness a mother rat rejecting her babies, but there are several reasons why this may occur. Understanding these reasons can help you take appropriate action to care for the baby rats.
One common reason for maternal rejection is stress. If the mother rat is experiencing high levels of stress, she may not have the energy or resources to care for her babies properly. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a change in environment, loud noises, or the presence of predators.
Another reason for rejection is illness. If the mother rat is sick, she may not have the ability to care for her babies. This can be caused by a variety of illnesses, such as infections, parasites, or injuries.
In some cases, the mother rat may simply be inexperienced or overwhelmed. If this is the case, she may need extra support and guidance to learn how to care for her babies properly.
Lastly, it is possible that the mother rat is rejecting her babies due to a genetic or hormonal issue. This is rare, but it can occur in some cases.
If you notice that a mother rat is rejecting her babies, it is important to take action quickly to ensure the babies receive the care they need. This may involve providing supplemental feeding, keeping the babies warm, and seeking veterinary care if necessary.
What to Do if a Mother Rat Rejects Her Babies
If you notice that a mother rat is not taking care of her babies or has completely rejected them, there are a few things you can do to ensure the babies’ survival.
Firstly, you need to make sure that the babies are warm. Baby rats cannot regulate their own body temperature and rely on their mother’s warmth. You can use a heating pad or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to keep them warm. The temperature should be around 90-95°F.
Next, you need to feed the babies. You can use kitten milk replacer or puppy milk replacer to feed them. Make sure to use a syringe or a dropper to feed them and not a bottle, as they may choke on the milk.
You’ll need to feed the babies every 2-3 hours, including throughout the night. You can also stimulate the babies to urinate and defecate by gently rubbing their genital area with a warm, damp cloth.
If you are unsure about how to care for the babies, it is best to seek advice from a veterinarian or a wildlife rehabilitation center. They can provide you with more detailed instructions and ensure that the babies receive the proper care they need.
Feeding and Caring for Abandoned Baby Rats
If the mother rat refuses to look after her babies, it is important to take immediate action to ensure the survival of the babies. Here are some steps you can take to feed and care for orphaned baby rats:
Make Mum Comfortable
Make sure the mother rat has access to plenty of food, water, and a comfortable nest. If she continues to neglect her babies, consider fostering them to another mother rat, or follow the next steps.
Keep the Rat Babies Warm
Make sure the rat pups are warm. Baby rats cannot regulate their own body temperature, so it is important to keep them warm with a heating pad or heat lamp.
Feed the Rat Babies
Next, you will need to feed the babies. Use a kitten milk replacement formula, which can be found at most pet stores. Do not use cow’s milk, as it can cause digestive problems for baby rats.
Use a small syringe or eyedropper to feed the babies. Be careful not to force the formula into their mouths, as this can cause them to aspirate the milk into their lungs.
Feed the babies every 2-3 hours, including throughout the night. Baby rats have high metabolisms and need frequent feedings to survive.
As the babies grow, you can introduce solid food into their diet. Offer them small amounts of softened puppy food or baby cereal mixed with formula.
Help the Baby Rats Wee and Poo
After feeding, you will need to stimulate the babies to urinate and defecate. Use a warm, damp cotton ball or tissue to gently rub their genital area until they go to the bathroom.
Caring for abandoned baby rats is a challenging and time-consuming task, but with proper care and attention, the babies can thrive and grow into healthy adult rats.
It’s so hard to watch a mother rat refuse to care for her babies, but follow the steps in this article and get advice from other experienced rat parents, and your vet, and you’ll do great!
Remember to monitor the babies closely and provide them with the care they need to thrive. This includes keeping them warm, feeding them on a regular schedule, and ensuring they are eliminating waste properly. And seek the advice of a veterinarian or experienced rat breeder if you have any concerns or questions.
Remember, not all mother rats take to motherhood, and it’s not uncommon for them to reject or neglect their babies. With patience, care, and attention, you can help give these babies the best chance of a healthy and happy life.
