Daughter-in-law Pregnant

Question
I had just found out my daughter-in-law is pregnant with twins & I have fought with them to get the pet rats out of our home.  She keeps saying they are not going to hurt her or the babies.  Will they affect the babies when they come home from the hospital?  I'm must say I'm not a rat lover but they have 6 female rats,  the cage is kept clean & there is no illness with them.  I just thought it would be harmful to her & the twins when they are born.  I have tried to find more information regarding this so I goggled it & found you.  Can you please give me some advise?  I hate to make them give there babies up however I don't want anything to happen to her or the twins.

Thank You,

A concerned Parent!!

Mary Camacho

Answer
First, Congratulations Grandma!!

Breathe easy, the rats will not hurt her or the babies, or affect the pregnancy in any way. Domestic/Pet rats pose absolutely no harm to infants by proxy [that is, by being in the same environment/room]. The only worry I would have is if they allow the rats to run around while the babies are on the floor (or within rattie-reach, rather); babies smell good and rats tend to taste things that smell good or even walk across them as they do adults and could scratch the babies. That being said however, most parents, especially first time parents, are cautious enough to not allow pets to play near their infant children. It stands as common sense that NO PET, no matter the species, should EVER be left unsupervised with a child, no matter how trained/trustworthy/etc they may be!

I myself have a 13 month old daughter who routinely plays with my large adult males and is 100% okay. I had a full-scale rattery in the house when I had her, averaging 30+ adult animals as well as babies, and Abigail just had a wonderful time watching them in their cage while she rocked in her swing. As long as they take measures to protect rats from babies and babies from rats, keep them healthy and clean, just as you would do with a cat or dog (or bird or any other indoor pet); there is no reason your daughter-in-law should have to rehome her furries.

Keep me updated! How exciting for you guys!