Keeping mama happy.

[MsMagpie]

I brought home a mom with babies from work, I'd say 16-18 hours after they were born. Everyone is doing well, but mama seems to be going stir crazy. My issue is that I don't know mom at all, she has no friends to visit with, etc. How can I give her a break safely?

[JR1030]

Interesting...I have sort of the same question, except my mom (rat mom, that is) has been cooped up with her babies in a TINY cage at the SPCA for several weeks.  I'd love to hear any suggestions you get.

[Dearpie]

Can you put her cage on your bed, take her out and let her run around, with the option of returning to her cage at any time?

[MsMagpie]

Can you put her cage on your bed, take her out and let her run around, with the option of returning to her cage at any time?

Hmm. I'll have to give this a try. So far she seems to be okay with me. She'll hide when I first open the cage, but after a few minutes she gets a little braver. I am able to hold her, she just doesn't like it, at all.

[scout]

It's been my experience that mother rats, even the friendliest and cuddliest of rats, don't like to be held the first couple of weeks of their motherhoods. They are just too anxious about their babies! But they certainly do appreciate opportunities to get out and explore away from the kids for a few minutes. You could sit with her on the bed and let her come explore you when she's ready. By the time the babies have their eyes open, she'll probably be ready for a longer respite from them!