litter trouble..

[Ginevive]

I hate when this happens.. I have three sibling rat females in together that I weaned about 1.5 weeks ago. Why is it that one seems to do so well, and the other two are lagging behind? Not that they're underweight, but still, it just seems like only one is the robust size and shape that I want all of them to be.. I feed them well enough for everyone to get some, and water is always available; there are two hidespots on the cage and usually, the two "underlings" take one, while big-girl takes the other.. I dislike seperating them because then big-girl will be alone. Any ideas??

[jknudson]

I hate when this happens.. I have three sibling rat females in together that I weaned about 1.5 weeks ago. Why is it that one seems to do so well, and the other two are lagging behind? Not that they're underweight, but still, it just seems like only one is the robust size and shape that I want all of them to be.. I feed them well enough for everyone to get some, and water is always available; there are two hidespots on the cage and usually, the two "underlings" take one, while big-girl takes the other.. I dislike seperating them because then big-girl will be alone. Any ideas??

Survival of the fittest?...I would just guess sibling rivalry...maybe try two food bowls and two water bottles. Otherwise I would separate the smaller ones out for a short time to let them catch up.

-Jason

[lord jackel]

I see this all the time in my breeder racks...seems very much like dogs are where there is an Alpha rat. The one that eats first, drinks first, etc. Other then some "wrestling" I have never had any issues with them. In my cages the smaller girls just catch up. By time they are ready to breed they are all about the same size.


Just my experience.

[frankykeno]

It's pretty normal Jen to have some rats that are just genetically programmed to do better than others. Sometimes it's also a matter of temperment and some are just more dominant and take control of the food/water areas so they eat and drink first. Not much you can do other than let nature take her course or seperate out the bigger one for awhile to allow the two smaller ones to play catch up.

[Ginevive]

Thanks, I usually feed them off as weanlings, but I am raising these gals up for future breeding, because some of my others are getting pretty old..
Please check my sanity, thoughl I brought home two preggo mice today! Smack me!

[recycling goddess]

we make sure each cage gets equal amount of treats to ratties.

nutro dog biscuits are their favourite... and we give each one their own.

perhaps that will help.

[Ginevive]

I like the biscuit idea.. I do think that it is better that they're in the trio though; if it were one large female and one underling, I would seperate them.. but I noticed that if I keep one rat alone for too long, it seems like she'll get more aggressive when cagemates are replaced.. I could try putting her in with one of my larger girls to put her in line!