please help very worried

[jet]

(Hi i have 2 female rats one which had nine babies on saturday night the other we believed to be pregnant at the same time.  All has gone really well and all nine are still alive but tonight we noticed that mum of nine was spending very little time with her babies.  Upon checking we found 12 babies and we believe that the other female must have only had 3 babies (is that normal ) and is looking after them all.  I can not tell the difference between the 3 new ones and the other nine as they are all about the same size.  Do i leave the 2 girls together or do i separate them and put 6 babies with each. and if so what will happen.  If i leave them together will any harm come to babies or the mums.  There seems to be no fighting between the 2 girls and mum of nine doesnt seem to worried about not being near her babies.  Please help as i am very worried and scared for all 14 rats (both mums and the 12 babies)
thanks
jane

[Marybelle]

12 babies certainly isn't too much for one rat mommy, if that's what you're worried about.  As long as the babies are getting fed (you should see white bands on their tummies), and are being watched after by one of the mommies, I wouldn't worry too much about it.  Seems like mom #1 just isn't interested in being mom.  If there is no fighting, and babies are thriving, don't worry, it'll all turn out ok.  

[jet]

Thanks Mary, that has made me feel so much better, would hate for anything to happen to any of them mums and babies, been watching them now for 2 hours and mum of 9 has gone back to them but only for little bits at a time and the other mum hasnt seemed to mind her doing so, fingers crossed that is a good sign
i will gladly accept any advice on anything to do with rats as i have only had them for 5 weeks and know very little.
once again thankyou

[Idarat]

Jane, It sounds like you are doing great!  Keep up the good work and the questions!