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Possible Dwarf rats

21 15:51:18

Question
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Followup To
Question - All 8 babies are small in size...they are getting a milk mom to care for them so I dont have to bottle feed any. They dont have their original mother so I cant tell about her size. I have had rats for 20+ years. So no, this isnt my first litter LOL. But it is my first time running into such a small sized group that appears to be healthy in every way.




Hello :)
I was wondering if you could tell me a true way of knowing if my ratties might be dwarf? I took in 8 babies as rescues and they are very healthy and lively yet at almost four weeks, they are smaller in body size than my 13 day old pups.
They arent thin or chubby...I would say they are in good health, it is just a bit confusing LOL. And I cant find too much info on the web. I would be willing to send you a picture of size comparison if that would help.
Thanks!
Answer -
Hi,

If you could answer the following questions, so I can get some background info on the babies.
Do these babies have there mother with them?, What are you feeding them? What country are you in? Out of the 8 is it all the babies that look dwarf? Are your 13 day old pups you first litter or have you breed before?

Thanks
Jess
Nitros Fancy Rats
http://www.geocities.com/surreyrats/SurreyRats.html

Answer
Hi,

As they have a mum feeding them, I don't think that it can be a nutrition problem, i.e. not rich enough milk causing the stunted growth. Are they being fed a high protein diet up to 20%. Are you in the USA? Would you be able to send me a photo of them? you can email it to: surreyrats@yahoo.co.uk

Hopefully the photo will be able to help!!

Bye
Jess
Nitros Fancy Rats
http://www.geocities.com/surreyrats/SurreyRats.html