First time rat momma?

[Marrissa]

So one of the girls from the keeper trio only had two rat pinks for her first litter. The other girls that are biters (the not keeper trio) had 8 and 14 for their first litters. Should I be concerned about the small litter size? Also she's been charging the younger rats (there are three weaned rats in there with her that now stay in the opposite corner of her). They were in there for a week before she gave birth so I wouldn't think she'd feel the need to go over and flip them over like she does. They aren't even near her babies. It's a large 105qt tub so there's enough room for them to stay away and they do. She hasn't done that with the other female I've acquired that's housed with her.

Should I be concerned about the litter size or charging? I've never seen that from my other girls. Also would it not be a wise idea to keep those babies if they came from a small litter size? My plan is to CO2 my original trio and start a small colony with the new trio so I want a holdback from her and another from the younger female when she's a bit older.

[sorraia]

I would wait for a second litter before keeping any, to make sure this first small litter is a fluke.

The charging sounds like she's just displaying dominance. As long as she's not actually harming them, and she doesn't get progressively now dominant, you probably don't need to worry about it too much.

[black06gt]

I recently had a first time mama die from birthing complications. She only had 1 pup on a Sunday and she passed the following Saturday. She took care of the 1 pup up until she died. I believe a baby got logged and blocked the other pups from being born. She didn't show any signs of stress or look like she was in pain, she still ate like normal and was still friendly. Last week I had another 2 first time mama's drop a 10 and 12 pup litter. Not to worry you but I would be a little concerned about the small litter size based on my experiences. The smallest successful litter I've had was 6. I can't help with the charging I keep my girls in separate tubs to give birth and raise pups but it just sounds like she's trying to keep the others away from her litter. I hope everything works out for you.

[satomi325]

Is that the blue girl I gave you?
I agree with Sorraia about waiting until the second litter. Sometimes small first time litters are a fluke. If she doesn't do better next time, I'll give you another female.
Most of my girls generally average about 12 pups.

[Marrissa]

Dang I really hope that's not the case with my girl. I'm attached to those two girls now.

Nikki- yes it is. And thank you very much. Hopefully she produces better next time. She's my sweet little loner rat.