I got a fat rat!

[MeMe]

ok so I went to the pet store today to purchase some various feeders for my snakes.

I usually look to make sure of what I got but since Jeff is sick I tried to rush.

Well...I think I have a pregnant momma!

I was gonna feed her to my Prince but when I looked into the box I saw the FATTEST female rat I have ever seen!

I just know she is pregnant and she is panting a bit so I am guessing she doesn't have far to go.

I want to keep her around to have them.

I will post a pic of her in a bit so you can see how big she is.

I have to get her tub set up first.

But I don't know the first thing about rats!

so any help on how to care for her and the pups would be GREAT!

thanks!

[Laooda]

so any help on how to care for her and the pups would be GREAT!

thanks!

[/QUOTE]

First you get the smallest nursing bottles available... then,


Sorry!

Lmao

[MeMe]

First you get the smallest nursing bottles available... then,


Sorry!

Lmao

ok...so where do I get those?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

This will cover the basics on rats (crash course) http://ratguide.com/breeding/basics/statistics.php

And the rest of the site will likely help with any questions you might have regarding rats http://ratguide.com/

[Laooda]

ok...so where do I get those?

Wal-Mart.... Duh!?!?

[MeMe]

Wal-Mart.... Duh!?!?

aghhh...gotcha!

phew! I am out the door to go rat puppy shoppin!

I wonder if they will have newborn outfits...

[Laooda]

Well yea! It's WalMart! They have everything....

[MeMe]

This will cover the basics on rats (crash course) http://ratguide.com/breeding/basics/statistics.php

And the rest of the site will likely help with any questions you might have regarding rats http://ratguide.com/

thanks Deb!

[SatanicIntention]

First off, rats don't pant... if she is open mouth breathing, you're right, she doesn't have long to go... Until she dies.

Rats do not pant or such when they are going into labor, they do stretches, they lay on their back, they look bloated and miserable, etc.

if this rat is panting, it probably has a very advanced respiratory infection, and isn't very well off. I would humanely euthanize it. Rats can get edema in their chest and belly just like dogs with congestive heart failure can. It may be an older rat with alot of problems.

Sorry to be so blunt like that...

[frankykeno]

Sweetie I have to be straightforward like Becky and warn you this likely isn't going to end well. Healthy female rats don't pant in labor, they normally give birth with no muss, no fuss and very little blood or mess. It's possible she's panting due to a hot ride home in the car though, rats don't do well under high heat conditions so first get her settled in a cooler spot, out of direct sunlight and alone with food, water and clean bedding. Watch her closely, if she appears to stay distressed and struggling put her down humanely. If she recovers then just let her be, feed and water her and just keep a close eye on her. Even if she does survive, oftentimes female rats found heavily pregnant at the pet store don't have successful litters as they are not in great shape in the store to get preggers and are stressed and fighting for food and water during the time they are carrying. I don't want to worry you but feel I must be very honest in that this just isn't a situation that sounds good at this point. Please let us know how it goes.