A few questions about my first litter.

[stangs13]

my first litter is doing great! I noticed that out of the two piles ofpinks she made, some have milk bands some don't, is this normal? I was going to have her wth my other female as they will birth at the same time, I noticed she was stressing so I moved her to her own tub. I took pics, so I will have thoughs up soon. My other girl is fixing to birth aswell. When can I put them together? Pup size? Noob questions!!

[stangs13]

Kinda important questions, so I'm bumping....hah.

[mischevious21]

I wouldent put them together untill the babies are weaned. Because A: Even if the females know eachother, the one that has babies now may still look at her like a theat, and B: They WILL fight over the babies. I had two together (I didn't know the one was preggers and it was a big cage, plus they were together before the first one gave birth), then suddenly the other girl had a litter. They kept to their corners though, so I left them together for a little bit. But I had to seperate them within a week, because there was a total of 25 babies, and they both wanted ALL of the babies to themselves. I finally seperated them after thay had a tug-o-war match wth a baby! Luckily though, the baby was OK, but no- don't put them together till after all babies are weaned.

[mischevious21]

Also, with the milk band thing- I'm not really sure.. None of mine had milk bands-ever. Which I thought was strange, but they were eating because all 25 grew up! (to a point, any way )

[stangs13]

Once they are ready for there second litter, they will be back together again. And will hopfully stay that way.

[mischevious21]

Yea, but I would be careful- cause when they fight over the babies they can erally hurt them by tearing their neck skin, and stuff like that. Thats why no rat breeders (well, the one's I've met any way) keep their preggers or nursing does together.

[stangs13]

Thanks! Yeah I understand, I know a few that don't separate. Thanks alot! I think I am noticing a hint of pattern on these babis! She made another pile of babies 2 piles of 2 and one with 10 of them? What's the deal? I am going to leave them, cause mom knows best.

[mischevious21]

lol, yea thir weird like that when it comes to the 'pile of babies' thing. And yea, you should take/post some pics of the babies when their markings and fur grow in That was my favorite part of having the babies- guessing what color they would be!

[MeMe]

Justin they all have milk bands. You just might not be able to see some very well.

I usually do not put 2 moms in with the pups unless one of them has a large litter and I am out of room. I try to foster off a few if I have to ...first.

As far as when you can put the pups together..I don't put them together till they are weaned. Unless the pups are about the same size.

Oh and Mom will move them into piles all the time. It's just how she does things. She wants to make sure all are fed and cleaned and stuff. So she will split the litter up and do work.

[Skittles46]

I'm not much help but to echo everybody else, except...
For me I've been able to see the smaller milk bands with a flashlight. Just shine it directly on them and then I can see the ones that aren't quite as prominate as their siblings.
Hope it keeps going well for you!