Rat having only 2 pups?

[bmp0341]

So one of my rats gave birth to only 2 pups. It's been 2 days and I've searched the tub and there isn't anymore. Is it just that small because it's her first litter or what?

[llovelace]

Could be, the next litter should be more.

[BAMReptiles]

its possible, some could also have died/been stillborn and she ate them. iv got a girl thats had several litters and her litter before this last one was only 6 uncommonly low for any of my girls, but the babies were much larger, so it just depends

[PghBall]

I've had one of my best producers throw a litter of 3 before. She then threw 8 the next time around. Those three were the biggest pups I've had though.

[bokuza]

A.) She ate the rest or her room mates did. For one reason or another.

B.) She may be retaining fetuses. Feel around for more.

C.) Just a small litter. It happens, maybe she was a skittish mate or her fertility was low becuase it was her first time. Whatever the reason...small reason is small. LOL.

[bmp0341]

Well apparently she was pregnant when I got her, and I did have her with a new male and another female. When I realized she had the pups she was fighting with the male so maybe he killed them. I can't feel her belly she already bit me once when I went to pet her so I don't think that's an option. Oh well I guess I'll see what happens, thanks for all the replies.

[bokuza]

Well apparently she was pregnant when I got her, and I did have her with a new male and another female. When I realized she had the pups she was fighting with the male so maybe he killed them. I can't feel her belly she already bit me once when I went to pet her so I don't think that's an option. Oh well I guess I'll see what happens, thanks for all the replies.

Well it could be that the stress caused mom to freak out or bla bla bla million other reasons. It's happened to me. I bought a lovely female and popped her in with 1.1 pair. She gave birth and both the male and female roommates ate her young.

[snakesRkewl]

biting moms end up in a snakes tummy

I've had a few drop that small of litters, i give them another shot unless it's their 4th litter or more, then they get retired.
If they throw back to back small litters they are done too.

I love how big they get though when the mom only has to feed 2 or 3 babies

[bokuza]

biting moms end up in a snakes tummy

I've had a few drop that small of litters, i give them another shot unless it's their 4th litter or more, then they get retired.
If they throw back to back small litters they are done too.

I love how big they get though when the mom only has to feed 2 or 3 babies

It's awesome when you have biggens in the mix! I had a hooded mother give birth to 3 and her babes came out with fur on. Amazing little suckers grew so fast and the boys were huge monsters. They were so impressive I gave them away to a pet family, too awesome to give to a snake!