Bloated rats

[MikeM75]

About twice a month I find a really bloated rat, I have only seen the pups to weaned bloated, and then it seems I find them dead. I fed them Mazuri 6F, then I switched to the Native Earth until they quit selling with the free shipping on auto-ship, and now I will be going back to Mazuri 6F. I have always once a week given them spinach leaves and sometimes I give carrots.
Is the bloating something normal on occasion?

I just separated a newer female into the maternity rack because she looked pregnant. After about a week I put her back with the male because obviously she isn't pregnant. But she was that "round" to make me think she was pregnant.

Not trying to be gross but can rats relieve gas in their stomach through flatulation or burping?

Anyway, just curious if anyone else has seen it.

[aldebono]

This is most likely megacolon caused by the high white genes blocking the nerve development in the hind end of the GI tract.

You may want to find the male and or female responsible for the megacolon babies and cull or put with a new breeding group.

[aldebono]

http://ratguide.com/health/digestive/megacolon.php

Includes pictures and information.

[snakesRkewl]

Mega colon is caused by the dominate trait high white gene and finding it shouldn't be too hard if you know the male and females that produce the bloaters.

A blazed rat, a broken stripe, some black eyed whites, head spots, and basically any rat that has white where it isn't supposed to be "can" cause mega colon.
One advantage is it doesn't hide itself, it's a dominate trait so it shows on the rats markings.

[aldebono]

And when Jerry says "white where it isn't supposed to be" that generally means anything other than a berkshire, english/irish, and hooded.

I also believe that variegated and dalmatian do not effect the nerves in the same way.

All this sound right Jerry? This is a fairly confusing topic because all the sites are very vague.

[snakesRkewl]

And when Jerry says "white where it isn't supposed to be" that generally means anything other than a berkshire, english/irish, and hooded.

I also believe that variegated and dalmatian do not effect the nerves in the same way.

All this sound right Jerry? This is a fairly confusing topic because all the sites are very vague.

Yes, that sounds pretty accurate.
As far as I know variegated are not caused by the high white gene but I'm not sure on dalmations

[MikeM75]

That is exactly what it is. Thank you guys for your information, I appreciate your time.

[Rhasputin]

I agree with what's been said.