please help asap

Question
MY RAT HAD BABYS THROUGH OUT THE NIGHT,AND SHE HAS YET TO NURSE THEM WE DON'T HAVE ANY EYE DROPERS AND WE RELLY NEED TO FEED THEM SO MY QUESTION IS HOW DO I DO THIS.MY HUSBAND BOUGHT BABY FORMULA  ALSO HOW REALISTIC IS IT THAT THEY WILL SURVIVE.?
THANKS SO MUCH,
         PATRICIA

Answer
Hi,
I'm hoping I'm reaching you as quickly as you need! (I don't hit the computer until 10am Pacific.) The first thing you need to do is make sure the kits are warm, and if you can at least give them some water by dipping it on your finger tips, and letting them suckle off of that, they should be okay for a few hours anyway.

You're right to panic! Orphaned babies just after birth usually means the mom is missing the hormones that make her want to suckle her kits. OR, the kits are from a very young mother who doesn't understand what her job is...well, there are dozens of reasons now that I'm thinking.

You need help NOW. Call your  local pet stores, and vets. Ask if there are ANY nursing rats in their holding areas, or if they are aware of a breeder who has some. Very often you'll find that there are. OR, there are recent moms who have just weaned. These girls can be wetnurse moms, and do really well at it. If you can bring in a wet nurse ratty you have  fighting chance.

Each hour they don't have food is equal to a massive percentage of life they won't have. Try the fingertip method. If you can find kitten formula, which is likely at the grocery store. If not, condensed milk will work as a great second choice. Mix a teaspoon of condensed milk with two tablespoons of water. Dip your fingers in and let them lick off the fluids.

Nothing can really replace the immunities they get from mom's milk, but again, if you can find a nursing mom nearby, you'll have better luck.

I'm hoping things turn out okay... be sure to email catheb@catsrats.com to update me!

Cathe