"Unexpected" birth

[Resu]

A little less than two weeks ago I went to SuperPetz (Alabama), expecting to buy two female rats. I didnt want to deal with the stress of babies.
They only had one female. Her, and at least five other males in the same cage. The store clerk said that it didnt look like she was pregnant. Me, being to excited about finally finding a female (Id been to about three other places, only males), trusted her judgement.

Well, you know.    She had them while I was at school. She could have died! I dont even know how old she is (I had intended to ask when I bought her). I dont know where SuperPetz gets their rats. Ive never had a rat. Im afraid to go into my room because Im afraid Ill disturb them.  I cant even count how many are in there, but from what I can see, theyre all alive. Five or six.

Im excited by Im very worried. I read a few of those breeding stories   I have no idea what Im going to do with them once theyre older. I imagine Ill keep one or two of the sisters. I could keep the boys if I had another cage, but I dont.

Im irrisponsible. I dont know what to do. Be mean, but be helpful. Please

[Marybelle]

You're not irresponsible.  You did what all of us have done from time to time, you trusted a pet store employee...  And, you let your hopes get in the way of reality.  It's not a crime, it's called being human...


First off, don't be afraid of disturbing them.  In fact, if mom will let you, you need to handle the babies as soon as possible to get them well-socialized, so they can be an ideal pet for you or someone else.  If mom is agressive, you'll want to give her out of cage time so you can handle the babies without her trying to eat your fingers.

Secondly, mom is gonna need a LOT of extra nutrition.  Soy baby formula is good, as is kitten food.  She needs extra protein.  Give her leftovers from dinner, especially if you're having chicken or something of that nature.  She's gonna need everything you can give her, especially if she's very young.  She still has a lot of growing to do, in addition to giving the babies what they need.

You'll need to check the babies for milk bellies.  Their skin is very delicate and almost transparent at this point, so you'll be able to see white bands in their tummies if they're feeding.  

If at all possible, try to line up homes for them before they reach the age where they're needed.  Once you hit 4 weeks, you need to separate the boys, and if you don't have an extra cage, you need to have someone to give them to who will take care of them.  Try to get them to go in pairs, and, charge an adoption fee.  This will weed out the snake owners looking for a meal...  

That's all I can think of at the moment...  My brain is fried.  Good luck, and we must have pictures!!

[AmoLaZucca]

Yes, pictures *are* a MUST!    

I second everything Marybelle said.  You are NOT irresponsible - if anything, the pet store is.  It isn't your fault.  You'll find a lot of helpful advice here.  If you need help, don't be shy, post your question and someone will help try to help you ASAP.  

But don't be afraid to handle those babies.  They need the human contact every day.  

By the way, welcome to the forum!  

[Resu]

Ive given her some Purina One Cat - Chicken and Rice, which she seems to like quite a bit. I tried some sardines also. Thank you for the suggestions.

Im concerned about one of the babies in particular.. I am using wood shavings, whatever theyre called, as bedding (from a pet store, not from my yard or something). One of the babies had tiny scraps of it pressed into the skin near its eye - Ive tried picking it off but soon gave up for fear of damaging its skin. I dont know if mom will notice it.

[menagerie]

You might want to use paper towels instead of litter.

[Spitfire]

What kind of wood are the shavings made out of?  Ceder or pine are just all around bad for anything to live on 24/7.

[molucass]

If the bedding is pine or cedar, it needs to be removed immediately. It is very harmful to rats. Like menagerie mentioned, paper towels would be best for now..

[shayneko]

I found that the paper bedding you pick up from rat a log and the pet store work the best for my rats. That and I allergic to the Ayspen shavings and they really dont seem to like it.. the clear the cage of it in one night of it.

the paper litter and paper towles for the babies will work. Get a pair of tweezers(plastic ones if you can find them) to gently pick the shavings away from the cut, that might help

[Resu]

Im glad I mentioned the bedding.. You guys are lifesavers. I have put down paper towels, and shredded napkins - though she still wants to move it around so that they are laying on the bare floor of the cage [tank].

[ruthiechan]

I had carefresh when Yin had her accidental litter. (I thought I had two girls when I was a newbie to ratdom.) As long as I was prompt in cleaning the cage, I didn't have any problems with it sticking to them that I remember. Also, it may help to have SOME in there, that way they're not laying exposed to the elements, ya know?

BTW, I totally agree with Marybelle.

[Marybelle]

Even when we had our girl on aspen, and plenty of it, and with paper towels, she would always clear a place to bare glass on the floor for the babies.  I'm not sure why, but I think it's pretty normal.  *shrug*  Just keep in mind that with paper towels, you'll need to change the bedding frequently, to avoid a build-up of ammonia.  

Is mom letting you play with the babies at all?  

[SR&P]

yes! is she letting you play with the babies?

[Angelledust]

You are not being irresponsible. If anything, you are doing a lot better than most. The fact that you came here shows that you care. Keep us updated.

[copperfieldmemory]

hey how old are you? anyway that happened to me. TWICE one was right aft house burnt down and they were staying at a friends house! now that was irresponsible oh im 12

[Resu]

Mom nips hard with the intent to bite harder (it seems) if tips of fingers/knuckles are offered - and she sorta follows my hand around the cage when I go to play with them. That is if shes not trying to get out. I dont think she minds me playing with them. She just wants to chomp my tasty fingertips.  
I badly need to get another place to put her for when I clean the cage and want to play with them. I actually had to use an empty trash can bin last night when I was frantic getting the wood shavings out of the cage. Oh my, mom can jump..

Possible good news though. My brother (lives away from me, in Georgia) might be able to take one, no more than two of them. The only problem is that he doesnt have a tank, and they dont have a lot of money. Im not even sure if they cost a lot - Im using the tank from a previous pet. That still leaves nine.

My dad suggested releasing them into the wild! I think he was serious.  

(16,btw)

[angelratgirl]

yeah, dad's can be dumb that way.  releasing them into the wild is considered cruel and unusual punishment.  they do not have the same instincts as wild rats.  

and mom may just be protective of the babies.  often if you take the mom out first and hold her off to the side away from the kids she will calm down.  for a little bit at least.  but you can also just move her into another container while you handle the kidlets for a couple of minutes at a time.

[PA_Ratopia]

you sound like you're doing great... and don't worry about the nippyness it should pass after the babies are ready to be weaned.

I might suggest that you distract her with a particularly yummy bit of food (peanutbutter on a spoon, just a pea sized amount, works GREAT!) while you steal her children  

Try giving her a shoebox with a hole in its side so mom can get in, and a removeable top. that's a great way to give her privacy, keep the babies warm (and off the glass!), and when you lure her out you can just pick the whole box up, babies and all! quick, easy, and less stress for momma than trying to have to defend her nest from you.

ps: most times those 'pinches' are warnings. if she has to go for you a second time within one play session, she may actually break the skin.