Please help - Does this rat need help eating?

[Mindibun]

I got a rat at the store today as a feeder it's too large to feed. I'm keeping it over night (or possibly forever if my roomy continues to fall in love with it. -lol-) and I haven't seen him eat any of the seeds I've given him. I don't know the age of the rat, but here's a picture. It's young. Does it still need to be given milk or anything like that? I know NOTHING about rats and I want it to be happy for the night (or, again, possibly forever. )

Please let me know what I should be doing for him.



Help asap would be great since if he DOES need something other than hard food, I don't know how long he's been without.

[stangs13]

What did you buy him as? What size? If he is smaller than a weanling, he wont survive without moms milk.

[Mindibun]

Well, if they'd told me he was a weanling I wouldn't have to ask. But unfortunately, I asked for a mouse and got him instead. (Which I now think is actually a HER, but anyway...) So I don't think the store even knew.

She showed interest in a carrot earlier but only licked it and then played with it. I'm wondering if this is a sign that she does need milk...

[stangs13]

Hmm. Sorry! Can you weight him for us? That would help alot!

[monk90222]

Look to me about a week away from weaning...about 30 grams??
But that is just my guess.....

[JLC]

Try offering some cheerios or other easily nibbled yummies. Maybe some peanut butter to lick on.

[Mindibun]

I don't have a digital scale, but I'd say he's about 60- 75 grams.

[monk90222]

Rodent pro considers an 60-75 gram rat a "Small"...me thinks he is much less than that!

[Mindibun]

ok, then let's assume that he's still a week away from weaning. Can I substitute something for mother's milk like is possible for kittens? Or is there no hope?

[stangs13]

He deffenantly is no small Rat! I am not sure about hand rearing him, but you will have to do it like every 2 hrs, and keep him warm if he's that young.