WOW! 16 any genetic?

[amg20102006]

Hi This morning my female that I received form petco(it was already prego but didnt no until I had it for one week) had 16 babies. do you think any of the babies will be genetic and have large liters like that? also that was her first litter. dont the litters get bigger?

[daniel1983]

....so she had a reason for being so big A 16 mouse litter is really good...IMO. I usually average around 12 but I have had up to 15 before. I would definately keep back a few of the larger female babies and see if they have litters like their mama The litters do tend to get larger, but I doubt they will get any larger than 16.....when there are more babies than that a single mother might have trouble careing for them all. Thats why I always make sure I have two female per enclosure when baby time arrives....they are pretty good at helping each other out

[frankykeno]

Wow that is a nice big litter! I'd do like Daniel says and keep back a couple of the biggest of her daughters. Make sure that momma is getting lots of healthy food and fresh water though, that's a lotta babies for her to nurse.


~~Jo~~

[Shelby]

I saw a rat that had 25.

One of mine just had 18.

It does tend to be genetic.. typically white 'lab' mice and rats produce larger litters than fancy varieties.

[amg20102006]

she is in with another mom that has 7 babies so there is 23 babies in he cage with 2 moms and the 7 will be weaned ina bout 5 days.

[daniel1983]

Once the 7 are weaned, I would leave the both moms in the enclosure. It will reduce the stress on the mom with the big litter and make for healthier babies

[Shelby]

I do the same thing with mine. Lactating female rats don't care who's babies they have.

[amg20102006]

the rats that you had wich had 18 babies where they albino?

[Shelby]

Yep.. albino bred to hooded rat. The babies are mostly hooded and berkshire marked.

[amg20102006]

wanna send me some females? lol im for real I am in wisconsin a state above you.