Weight gain in young rat-Pregnant?

[lilspaz68]

aspen is fine Zombie. 

You can even put in white papertowels for her to nest out of and she'll keep the babies off the shavings for now.
I changed my baby cage on day 3 after birth.    Mom is acting instinctually but you should start handling that eeper soon.    Watch out for nipping from mom...she's hormonal right now.   

[Happy-RAT]

I have been handling the baby quote often when I check for milk line.  The mom has not nipped but I am very slow and gentle to approach.  I carress the mom too.  Mom looks like will you keep your cotton pickin hands off my baby.  She is nervous and I inadvertantly stir things up betweem mom and baby but I am making a good attempt to step back.

[Happy-RAT]

I missed that last post.  So since I have a huge bag of the aspen, I'll keep it for now.  I had seen something softer in the store that was more expensive.  I'll use that next time providing that using the aspen right now won't, generally speaking, hurt the family.

[JR1030]

Usually we hate Kaytee anything, but Aspen is fine for rats in general.  You have to stay away from pine and cedar.  You weren't even sure you were having any eepers, so totally understandable that you didn't put in softer bedding.  Like Lilspaz said, just put in some white, soft paper towels that the mom can use to make a nest, and she may get the baby off the aspen herself.

[Happy-RAT]

Why don't you like KAYTEE?  I need to learn.

[JR1030]

Katyee sells a whole bunch of products that are marketed for rats, but contain preservatives that cause cancer (which rats already have enough trouble with), and are generally non-nutritious.

[Happy-RAT]

What brand of food do you recommend?

[Dearpie]

Good luck with the baby!  I REALLY hope it's a girl. 

As for best food recommendation, there are several ways to go, including lab block (harlan teklad, which you can order from Wee Companions or Kims Ark,or mazuri, which Petsmart generally carries) or a grain/cereal mix, such as Suebee's (you can do a search for it).  Daily fruits and veggies are also very beneficial.  With the new momma, she needs to get plenty of protein to help with her milk.   Oatmeal, eggs, cottage cheese, etc are all good choices.  If you read several pages in this section, you'll find quite a number of threads regarding what everyone feeds their rats.