Only two rat kittens?

Question
Hi there, my first rat Noriko had twelve babies, all but two died for unknown reasons, and this is quite depressing because I currently have five adults which I adore. Twelve is a normal litter, I know that as I have read many forums and have many years experience with over forty hamsters.

So as you can expect I am currently quite shocked as today (Sunday 19 April) at around 7pm, Suri began to give birth, and as I write this to you at 11.30pm there are only two! they're bigger than Norikos. About the size of two joints of your little finger (vague description sorry) She seems to be quite content with them which is good.

I'm just a little scared that something is wrong, maybe this is just how many she was meant to have, I'm not entirely sure.

I look forward to your reply, thank you.

Sophie

Answer
How old is mom rat?

Is she resting and acting ok? Is there any blood? Have you checked her to be sure there are no pups lodged in her vaginal area? You would see the bulge, trust me.  She would still be having problems if she had any stuck in there.


As for the small litter, it is possible to have just 2. I had a rat have just 7 and have known others to have small litters too.  Is mom nursing the two pups?