Handeling Rat babies

Question
My rat gave birth to 7 little ones saturday night. I have held them. I am afraid now that she might reject them. She still seems to be nesting though, i guess i should wait and see what happens. But if she does throw em out how can i care for them?

Answer
Hi Jake,

Congrats on your new little pinkies!  They are adorable!  If your rat is use to you, you should have no problems.  I handled my rats babies everyday and she never rejected them.  A good way to tell that they are being cared for is if you pick them up or touch them they should feel warm and if you look at their tummy it should look white in color not pink and that is from mom's milk.

If she should reject them, take them away from her and put them somewhere separate, even a shoe box will work for now.  Put a lot of towels in there and try to maybe put a towel that have been warmed with them to keep them warm.  Warmth is very very very important.  As for feeding, you can go to Petsmart or any pet supply store and buy some mother's milk and a small bottle.  Pinkies need fed every 2 hours and then you need to take a wet warm washcloth and lightly rub their private areas to make them go to the bathroom.  They can't go on their own.  It's hard work but that's what it would take to care for the pinkies yourself.

Like I said, chances are she won't reject them if she is use to you and I gave you signs to look for that each baby is being taken care of by her.  Good luck to you, the mom and the babies!

Amber