Orphaned Rats

Question

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Followup To

Question -
Hi there,
        I came home yesterday to find 2 baby rats. They are not injured externally, their eyes are not open & they have no fur. I own reptiles so I have a spare glass aquarium that I was using as a feeding tank. I cleaned this tank out & I have put a 75watt globe in the lid of the tank & I have lined the tank with newspaper. I have put a teatowel (new) underneath them & a dolls blanket on top of them (very light weight) I have started feeding them Karicare baby formula by syringe every 3 hours & I stimulate them before & after a feed to go to the loo. My questions are 1. Am I doing everything right, 2. When will they open their eyes & 3. What is their survival rate if I am doing everything right. Hope you can help me & thanks for your time. Kind regards Kylie

Answer -
Hi Kylie
Those rats are very glad to have found you. Baby rat kits have very specific schedules. The first few days, they have pink skin-- and that makes it easier to see if they are eating, or if they have to poop. As you noted, you have to help them do this, or they can get blockages. Mama rats actually clean their babies bottoms with their tongues.. you don't have to! ;)

From 3-10 days, you'll start to notice the fur growing, and often you'll be able to tell if they are dumbo's, have specific hair types, and even a bit about their personalities.

This sounds like the stage they are reaching. Sadly, if they are still pink, orphans have less chance of surviving unless they are being cared for in a very similar way as to what you're doing. Each hour they live is one step more to strength, and after 72 hours, if they're still hanging in, you're doing EVERYTHING right. You've obviously had training caring for young pets, and you're doing everything a vet would do. I admire you for this! I wish more people had your kind spirit.


Rats open their eyes from 13-17 days old, generally, over 12-15 hour period. You'll notice a squint appearance, then a half open-sleepy look. When they open their eyes, they still need a day or two to figure out what they are looking at, and recognize shapes, colors, and light. They start to be very playful and inquisitive, so you can add small boxes, or cat toys into their tank to play with. Make sure you don't give them anything they'd fall from.

You can supplement the forumula with soy milk, and even kitten formula. If they don't take food from the syringe, try putting a tad on your finger tips, and letting them like from there. The warmth of your fingers, plus the warmth of your hands will simulate their mother.

Because you are spending so much time with them, they'll probably be very faithful, friendly little ones. You can read the earlier post about sexing them. They can start breeding at 4-6 weeks! So be sure you have them sorted by then.

It's very nice to hear from you Kylie, and I hope your new little guys do well for you. You really are a caring, sweet person.

Cathe


Hi Cathe,
        Sadly when I got home today after being out for about 4 hours one baby rat had died, The other one I am caring for is still going strong as far as I can see. Is it normal for them not to be able to walk though? as this little fella (buddy) gets around on his side & he still tumbles a fair bit. Do you mean normal Soy Milk or baby soy formula. I have also noticed he is getting fine white fur which is good as I now know he may open his eyes soon. Thanks heaps for your response it was very helpful & I appreciate your compliments about my caring for the rats.
Thanks again
Kind regards
Kylie


Answer
Hi again, No worries, ask away!

The first few days,they don't have much strength in their legs.. you won't really seeing them move around until they have fur, and they have their eyes open.

When you feed, you can see if he has enough food by watching his belly turn white-- you'll see the milk in there. You can use either baby soy, or regular soy milk. You can also use goat's milk formula. I understand that's available in the UK.

The fact that he's getting white instead of brown likely means he was orphaned from a feeder tank or even a pet.

Another tip a friend offered is to keep him sitting near your chest so he can hear a heart beat. He probably is missing that from his mom. I'm sorry about the other little fella. If you have to leave again, just a saucer of very moist oatmeal, (a quarter tsp of oats to a saucer of water), could serve as surrogate mommy's food.

If you have the tank in a warm room in the house, you can stop the light bulb by now too. Old socks, or old stuffed animals are great for cuddles and warmth.

You're the best!

C