I have had 1 male and 4 females together for about two months. So far, no babies. They are all adults. How long should it take?
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Jay A. Martin
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How long before rat babies?
jmartin104
Jan 01, 2004 11:00 AM
Replies (3)
LdyPayne
Jan 01, 2004 11:51 AM
Sometimes it takes the rats awhile to get settled in with eachother before the females get babies. Though I haven't had this problem myself. Typically you should keep males in with females at least 10 days to make sure she has at least one fertile period with him there. Female rats enter esterus every 5 days though sometimes an over randy male can trigger esterus sooner. Gestation with rats is between 21 - 25 days, average 23 days.
Being together several months to me would indicate either the Male is sterile or the females are too old to reproduce. If the females are not too old and the male is not sterile, the only other thing I can think of is stress. For some reason the females and/or male do not feel secure and happy in their cage, either because it's too small, too crowded, to cold or some other reason.
wade
Jan 02, 2004 04:40 PM
They may have been young when you first set them up.
If they are first time moms and dads, it takes them a while to get started. The spend a lot of time deciding who is dominant and who runs the show. I wouldn't give up yet. Once they get started they will maintain a steady flow for you.
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Wade's Weptiles & Wodents
aplaxco
Jan 02, 2004 04:07 PM
I could swear it was at least 3 months before my first two had babies. I had given up but they were the kids pets so I just left them together. If they were feeders I probably wouldn't wait that long, but yours could still have babies. If your worried you could try a new male.
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Anna
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