how to keep rat pups alive

[.Matt]

So I got 2 rat pups today and my snakes decided they didn't want to eat them so I am pretty much stuck with them. How do I keep them alive? Are they old enough to eat on their own? Right now I have them in an extra tub with aspen and some crushed up crackers and some cheese and there is a little water dish in there too for them.

Chances are they'll be dead in the morning, but I'm really hoping not. How do I keep them alive?!

[Jay_Bunny]

About how old do you think they are? I'm definatly not an expert seeing as I just got my first rats last week but cheese and crackers are not exactly a nutritious meal and if the pup is too young probably won't eat them.

[kc261]

Jay, you may not be an expert, but you seem to be doing ok with your little rat babies.

To the OP, if you gave more of a description of the rats it might help people figure out exactly how old they are and what you'll need to do for them.

Here are a couple links to threads Jay Bunny has about the rat babies he's been raising. His may have been older than the ones you have though, because I think "rat pups" refers to ones with their eyes still closed?

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=61323

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=61647

[Jay_Bunny]

They've gained 5g each and they are very friendly little buggers.

[littleindiangirl]

If their eyes are open the chances are better.

[.Matt]

the eyes are still open and they are cruising around the tub and playing, but very young

[Dcommander]

so how r those little kids doing?