May I Introduce "The Babies"

Here are some links that may also help you out if you happen to come across an accidental litter like we did -

http://www.worldofrats.com/ROUSBreedingFAQMain.html
http://www.ratz.co.uk/sexingrats.html
http://www.afrma.org/sexing101.htm
http://www.spoiledratten.com/sexingetc.html
http://www.afrma.org/babyratdev.htm
http://ratguide.com/breeding/baby_development/birth_to_weaning.php
http://ratfanclub.org/orphans.html

And here is an listing on one of the rat newsgroups to help as a quick guide -

* Re: i would like to know stuff about the babys that my rat just had Posted by: "Linda" Tue Apr 22, 2008 3:37 pm (PDT)
* You will see some color and markings start to show as early as 3 days old.
* They are fully covered with fur by the 7th day although it will be short and continue to grow in.
* They will open their eyes and ears around the 14th day, sometimes light colored eyes will take a day or so longer to fully open.
* You will start to see the babies walking around and eating solid foods that they see momma eating. This is when you can start to introduce other foods for them like whole grain breads and cereals, etc.
* Lower the water bottle at this time as the babies will start drinking water as well.
* You can sex the babies anytime with practice but it will be really obvious at 3 weeks as to which are the boys. You can see nipples on the girls at 10 days old.
* The babies will need to be separated at 5 weeks of age as that is when the girls will get their first heat cycle. This is Important. Willow is a good example of this as she was 5 weeks old when she got pregnant.
* Babies are ready for new homes at 6 weeks of age and should go in pairs whenever possible.

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May I Introduce the Babies!

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