RAT Lactation

[HEXOTICS]

Ive been breeding Rats for years, but always kept the pups with the mother that gave birth to them. I have 9 females in total, does anyone know if In between litters if they still lactate and I can have a NON PREGNANT female nurse the pups in between?

[satomi325]

Depends when the non pregnant female was nursing last. I have pupless females help nurse pups from other females. If females go too long without nursing after a litter, they will cease to produce milk and dry up. I could be wrong, but I estimate too long to be over a month or so

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[sorraia]

It is *possible* a non-lactating female can start lactating, especially if she's previously given birth, if properly stimulated by the presence and attempted suckling of pups, BUT I wouldn't count on it. As was stated by the previous reply, most rats will cease to lactate if they are no longer nursing for a couple weeks.