Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have started a colony 1.2 rats about 2 months ago. The were all juveniles. Tonight I noticed some blood in the tub. Upon investigation, 3 small pinks were found. The bodies were partially eaten. The heads were about 1/2 the size of a nickel. Maybe all were premie? Mom did not look pregnant. Only 1 female has a bloody bottom. But she also has eyes that look gray now. Almost the color of a blind person? Any experience with my unusual observations? How do you check if a rat is blind, and if so does it matter?

TIA, NAncy

could be premies or still born babies. I would clean up any remains and check on the female with the red rump. If she is still bleeding, she may have more babies to birth or suffering internal bleeding, in which case, she will eventually die if not looked at by a vet. Since she is just breeding for food, you could feed her off if you have anything large enough to eat her.

As for the grey looking eyes, could be because of dehydration or eye infection. If she is blind, moving your finger towards her eye would either cause her to move away or blink. Being blind shouldn't matter in the long run as she still can find food and her young by scent.