|
Post by animalsgetrevenge on Feb 3, 2009 19:24:55 GMT -5
I was about the post the good news... my SUPER pregnant rat gave birth today. I found one pinkie about two hours ago, and I figured I would check in on her again before I posted... FIVE DEAD PINKIES in the tank. I removed them and removed the blood soaked paper towels.
This is my second litter of pinkies in a litter over a week that has been killed. What is going wrong? My first rat litter is just now being weaned and there were no issues. About 30% of their diet is kibble so they should be getting plenty of protein.
Should I give up on ratties and just stick with mice? Should I get new females? I'm getting frustrated because I have had these rats since November and have only gotten one successful litter out of them. Right now they are more expensive to keep and care for than ordering online!
|
|
|
Post by bigsis7 on Feb 3, 2009 23:01:45 GMT -5
Are these the new rats that are killing their litters? It could be stress. Has there been any other drastic changes or even small changes in the rats habitat? Like bedding, food, cage, location of the cage, or removal of one of the rats? These can trigger stress and scare the rat. Also it could possibly be they are producing sick or stillborn babies which then they feel like the must "dispose" of them. Bad genetics usually cause this. Other possiblities are, do you keep more than one female in a cage while they have a litter? What size is it? Sometimes the other females can get jealous or protective of their babies especially in a smaller cage. To protect their babies they may kill them or if they get jealous they might kill another mom's babies. If it's none of these things I have no idea what it could be.
|
|
|
Post by harrisi on Feb 4, 2009 5:47:46 GMT -5
I doubt it is protein as the mother would only kill and eat the amount she needs (or there abouts). I would say its either stress or over crouding, what size cage/tub/tank are they in and how many is in it?
|
|
|
Post by animalsgetrevenge on Feb 4, 2009 12:34:20 GMT -5
I think it was stress. This morning I went in and found she had given birth to the rest of their babies and ate them. I'm done with rats, it's too traumatic!
|
|
|
Post by harrisi on Feb 4, 2009 12:54:00 GMT -5
I'm done with rats, it's too traumatic! see I think the opposite!
|
|