Re: How small can they be??
At 5-6 weeks old rats can mate so if she a lil older then that she might be. To me it looks like she is but the way you are holding her isn't the best way to tell. Get her to stand up on her hind legs if possible and look at her belly. You're looking for a pair shape belly if she's pregnant.
Re: How small can they be??
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Deborah
Given her size I will assume she is 3 maybe 4 weeks? And given the size of the belly also not the best picture you are possibly dealing with bdominal distention, one of the symptom of megacolon megacolon
http://ratguide.com/health/digestive/megacolon.php
I agree with this. Her markings look like either hooded or banded, or a combination of both (I can't tell from the picture). If she's banded, that's considered a "risky" marking and megacolon is definitely a possibility. Even if she's hooded, she could still get megacolon. Given her age, I'm more inclined to believe megacolon than pregnancy. While it is possible for a young rat to get pregnant, it's not common.
How big is she compared to her siblings? If she's smaller and/or scrawny (failure to thrive) that makes megacolon more likely. Is she separated from the other rats, or can you separate her? That way you can see how she's pooping. If she's not pooping, or not normal poops, that's another sign of megacolon. Her age is right for megacolon to start showing up.
Re: How small can they be??
Has she been in with the males? I would assume so otherwise I guess you wouldn't be considering pregnancy a possibility.... I'd quarantine her for like a day or two to see she if poops.
Re: How small can they be??
Hmmm she honest might just be fat. I highly doubt shes pregnant if shes still drinking milk. I've had some really tubby babies that stayed looking pretty bloated until they got older. If she doesnt appear to be in pain, I would wait. just my :2cent:
Re: How small can they be??
A lot of mine look like that until they get bigger.
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