Very Thin rattie

[rhsm]

Hi all
I feel terrible that I didn't notice this before but one of my ratties is really thin.
I haven't been messing with them to much lately so I am not sure how long she has been like this.
She seems okay . She doesn't appear to be sick or anything just really skinny.

I took her out from with the other one last night when I noticed this cause I was afraid maybe she has something that I don't want the others to catch and she acutally had her babies last night.

When I got up she had babies everywhere. Some were stuck to tissue paper with blood others where away from the other and getting cold. I got them all unstuck and put them back with the others so we will see what happens now.

My question is have any of you had this happen.
I mean a very thin female during pg?

I hadn't noticed it before but when I went to touch her and pet her I could feel every bone in her body. I can't imagine what it might be cause all the others are totally healthy and have nice weight.

They get mazuri rat lab block all the time and water of course. I also give them veggies and fruits. They get cherrios,whole grain oatmeal type mix cooked up and a rat seed mix occassionally.
I just can't imagine what might be wrong.

I would really appreciate as many opinions and advise as I can get on this.
I am totally new to this and really want to do right by my ratties .

I am diffinately checking Everyone over at least once a day now just to make sure we don't have this happen again.

I feel awful about this.

Look forward to any help suggestions and ideas.
Also if you all know of a good way to fatten up a rattie please let me know.
Thanks rhsm

[jason79]

How old is she... Sometimes when they get old the just get skinny and die. I have had this happen before to some of them. Usually when they are a couple years old.

[rhsm]

Hi umm she is about I'd say 8 months old.
All my others I got at the same time and no others are like she is.

Any ideas?
She was in a bin with another female and they got along fine and the other female is HUGE pg but nice body tone so I don't know.

Could it be the babies just took much out of her?
Could she be sick?
Can you tell sick rats? Do they look and act sick?

Thanks rhsm

[rebeccabecca]

I have two rats that will "over feed" other's babies. Mine will nurse constantly if given a chance. I took mine out of the breeding cage for a bit and fattened up nicely though these two are "grandma's" at 21/2-3years and should be retired though they produce well enough.