Dying Baby rats?

[Johnny84]

My female rat had 11 babies about 3 weeks ago... the male is in with them with no problems... we left for thanksgiving festivities today and before we left they were all okay and alive... we were gone for about 3 4 hours came home and 5 of the babies are dead... 1 looks chewed at the belly with blood... last night my wife checked on them and said one had a really firm belly... they always have fresh food and water... we have been noticing the females urine is really strong odored and she seems to not be keeping herself as clean as usual especially around her bum area ... what could be wrong?
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[Johnny84]

Anyone out there have any idea?

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[Jessica Loesch]

My guess? The water bottle is clogged ... I could be wrong, but it sounds like she is dehydrated (strong smelling odor) and is eating the babies (cannibalism for moisture).

check that .... from there, I have no idea.

[Johnny84]

It isnt the water bottle...I check everything daily and refill every couple days! I am just wondering why all of the sudden my female looked sick and the babies started dying off!

What am I missing?

[Jessica Loesch]

Oh no I don't know what to tell you

[Johnny84]

I dont either....I just purchased a couple females and put with my male...hopefully I dont get a sick mom again and babies die off!

[Johnny84]

So still have no idea why I lost my momma rat and her first litter of 11....but my male is all over the 2 new females I put in with him and hopefully the rest of my colonies start producing soon...my ASFs are getting close to producing (I think!):screwy:

[jasbus]

Give em another chance. If it happens again, cull and start again. It's not uncommon for a first timer to not raise her babies. If your keeping a couple of females in with a male, over time all of the females will help raise the babies.
Also, first time moms can be nervous if you mess with them too much. Cut them a little slack til they're used to you.

[Johnny84]

Give em another chance. If it happens again, cull and start again. It's not uncommon for a first timer to not raise her babies. If your keeping a couple of females in with a male, over time all of the females will help raise the babies.
Also, first time moms can be nervous if you mess with them too much. Cut them a little slack til they're used to you.

Thank you for the tip...but the female was taking care of the babies, she just got sick and I didn't catch it in time to save her and the 11 babies! We'll see what happens with this next round....

Thanks again!