Breeding rats..

Question
Hi there,  My Rat just had 6 babies this past Sunday.  They all are good and healthy.  The male rat has been going crazy in his cage.  I have kept them together since I have had them, but when she was going to have the babies I put him in another cage.  Today 3 days after delivery I decided to let daddy see mama.. Well he went crazy and is all over her..  How long do I need to keep them apart.  Can she get pregnant again this soon..  I do not think it would be a great idea.  Don't they need some time to get energy and health??  Just want what is good for all of my rats.. This is my first Rat I have had both of the for 2 months..
Thanks so much Darlene

Answer
Rats come into heat every four (4) days and can be impregnated again directly after giving birth. Pregnancy, labor and delivery take a lot out of a female (and believe me, I know it first hand!!) and for the health of your female and her litter it's best to keep your males and females separated until you want them to breed. Ideally she needs to have not only these 5 weeks of raising this litter with JUST her litter, she also needs a minimal two to three month recovery from this whole situation.

Rats reproduce SOO quickly that I highly recommend you have your male neutered if you wish to keep them together as cage mates in the future. Either that, or keep a male and female baby out of the litter and allow Mama to live with her Daughter and Papa to live with their Son.

Good luck, and I do hope you take my advice. :)