Sick Rattie??

Question
I have two female rats in the same cage - one of them has a 10 day litter of 12 (she's about 5 months, her names Mousey) and the other one is 2 years old (Her names Kirux).

About 3 days ago I noticed wierd looking lumps on Kirux's tummy. They seem to be where her nipples are. Is it something serious or is it just the babies trying to nurse on her? The same day she got the wierd lumps, Mousey (the mom rat) split the litter. Mousey watches one while Kirux watches the other, then they switch for feedings. Is it possible the babies have just been trying to get milk from the wrong rat or is something really wrong?
Thank-you!
Lulu

Answer

Lulu

Looks like the little babies are trying to nurse from the non lactating rat.  I would remove the older rat for now just to be sure the lactating rat feeds all of the babies and doesnt think she is sharing the litter with the other rat who cannot feed them.