pet shop rat sold to early

Question
Hi
2 days ago i bought a baby doe rat from a pet shop, she is only three weeks old and I'm aware should still be on her mothers milk. but i was only aware of that AFTER purchase.

i have three grown doe's who like the little one, but didn't take to 'mothering' her as much as i hoped they would.

shes currently in a separate cage, with a digging box, a bottle of milk mixed with water, some crushed bread crumbs and cornflakes soaked in milk and a small bowl of solids. along with newspaper and toilet roles, the norm for babies exploring the world.

I'm concerned about her immune system, and if you have any tips to help her survive this cold winter?

please help me, I've only had her too days, but I've already seen her personality. and now shes a part of the clan i don't want her to leave!

PS, I have a huge self built wardrobe conversion rat cage for the grown up girls...I'm thinking I should put her in there at 6 weeks?

Many thanks,
Beth & Dinky The Rat

Answer
It sounds like you're off to a great start. Is she with the other girls right now? Even if they aren't being maternal towards her it would be a good idea to have at least one stay with her as long as they don't fight. You're right, you should probably wait until she's a little older to introduce her to the big cage and gang.

As for her immune system, a companion is always a good idea. Rats can easily get depressed if they are by themselves which lowers the strength of their immune systems, believe it or not. Keep her warm (a buddy will help with this too). If it gets cold at night a small area heater is a good idea as well. Just to make sure you can also put a few drops of ecinachea in her water or let her lick some off the dropper. You may already know but it can sometimes strengthen the immune system and since it is completely natural you can't really give too much (don't go overboard though please) so you don't have to panic about exact dosage.

It sounds like you are pretty experienced, but please also make sure she is a female for sure as it is difficult to tell the first few weeks and pet stores are pretty unreliable. Don't want any accidental pregnancies.

Good luck!
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