4 pups... Is it normal?

[xbikez]

Hello everyone!

My rat just gave birth but theres only 4 pups... I was wondering if its normal for a first time breeder rat. Im kinda thinking the male ate some of them but im not sure since I went to school and when I got home I saw the 4 babies, so I couldnt see myself how many pups they gave bitrth.

[zeion97]

It's very possible to get a small amount the first time breeding, it all depends on the age and size of the rat itself, but also the female. I've had a small rat maybe the size of a XL give me 10+ babies while a XXL gave me around five. I wouldn't sweat it to much.. Just remember leaving a male and female(s) together will usually give a constant supply a babies, it also shortens the females lives and usually they give you less babies every breeding.

Also, it is very possible she had a large litter and the male ate some.. It all comes down to the males, if you notice a male doing it, cull them immediately. I rarely have ay problems in my colony's, I even have 1 with 2 males that gives me no problems.

[xbikez]

Than you!! I have another female rat which is soo pregnant, shes about to pop any day now, I will see if she gets a bigger litter, if she does, then I will asume the male ate them, btw I took the male out just to check my theory
I will post again with results. Bye bye

[sorraia]

I wouldn't call it usual, but it can and does happen. Let her have another litter after this one. If it's also small, then it's probably her. If it isn't, then either first time was a fluke, or something happened to the babies.

[xbikez]

Thank you sorraia! I will get another litter from her, how long do you wait for the next litter after the rats are weaned? Do you breed her again right away?

[sorraia]

Thank you sorraia! I will get another litter from her, how long do you wait for the next litter after the rats are weaned? Do you breed her again right away?

Many people will say they breed again right away (as soon as she'll take the male). If the male is left with her at birth, she could get pregnant immediately and be carrying while nursing the last litter.

I *personally* like to give my females little breaks in between litters. I usually wait 2-3 months in between litters, approximately 2 months from weaning one litter before the next is born. I'm experimenting a little since I haven't bred feeders before (I did breed pets, but that was different and I had the luxury of giving my rats long breaks, if they were ever even bred more than once!), but so far this seems to be working for me, and my females are staying in good condition, without getting too thin or too fat in between litters.

[Mephibosheth1]

For top production though, the post-partum estrous is essential....6-12 pinks every 3 weeks is a real bonus compared to having to wait 6 weeks between breedings

[xbikez]

Thanks everyone!! Is there a possibility for my rat to be pregnant ? I took the male out in the evening and I was wondering if he mated her after birth, I believe they usually give birth in the night so the male was in the cage with the female for like 8 hours aprox or more. Do you guys think thats enough tine for them to mate after giving birth?

[sorraia]

Thanks everyone!! Is there a possibility for my rat to be pregnant ? I took the male out in the evening and I was wondering if he mated her after birth, I believe they usually give birth in the night so the male was in the cage with the female for like 8 hours aprox or more. Do you guys think thats enough tine for them to mate after giving birth?

If he was with her when she gave birth, she absolutely could be pregnant.

[xbikez]

Thanks!!!! I will have to see. Really apreciate your help!