Babies are running crazy!!!

[SCRAPPYSMOMMY]

 Mummas 12 babies will be 3 weeks Sunday and they are running wild thru the cage, AND eating some of the solid food, plus drinking from the water bottle.  This being the case, whats the earliest they can be weaned.  My concern is that Mumma has gotten very little handling and attention since she gave birth, because she has since become a very aggressive biter.  I wanna try to get her back on track ASAP, or decide whether it is in my family's best interest to keep her with the biting problem.  What do u guys all think....feedback please.  Also, guidelines aside, whats the earliest anyone has ever successfully weaned a litter?  

[JanetC]

I'll start by saying that I've only had one rat who ever had a litter, so I am by no means an experienced breeder. With that out of the way, I would really let your doe wean the babies and not worry about taking an active role in the process. By about 5 weeks, you'll want the males and females separated to prevent breeding, of course. If the babies are using the water bottle and eating some solids, they're on their way. I'd let nature, and momma rattie, take their courses. The only time Chowder EVER bit any of us was when she had her babies with her. It was natural for her to protect them, of course. She came to us pregnant, so she didn't know us too well before having them. After they were weaned, she returned to her sweet self. I wouldn't fault your momma rat. She's probably just taking good care of her babies and time will resolve any aggression.

[SCRAPPYSMOMMY]

very similar scenario here.  Mumma came to us pregnant as well.  i only had her for just over a week before she had her babes.  she bit me pretty badly on the day she gave birth tho, and i havent picked her up since.  i find my fingers very useful and would like to keep them
i am just worried that i need to start socializing her and i know that will be much easier once she is free of the burden of Mummahood.  she HAS gotten a little better now.  i can actually put her food dish into the cage without having her lunge at my fingers with bared teeth, but like i said i am still fearful of picking her up yet.  guess i will just have to wait another couple of weeks then.  hey thanx for answering my post.  

[Anna]

Skittles (my angel) was a bit more nervous just after giving birth, but she was so used to me handling her, that after a day she  mellowed out. I figure if a rat that was well socialized to trust me above anyone else was nervous, another girl could get downright nippy.

On a more positive note, she let me help her give birth, and the two of the babies I kept I've held every day of their little ratty lives.

Anna