Why are my baby rats not nursing?

Answer by  RunawayJim (964)

Is the mother getting enough food. you should be feeding her extra and maybe even mixing in some calcium so that enough milk is being produced.

Answer by  Travis404607 (3916)

There may be a health defect with the mother, causing the milk to taste sour and unappetizing for the baby rats. This could be environmental in cause, such as a change in climate.

Answer by  gin (366)

They might be and you are just not seeing it. Rats are shy creatures. If they are new born mom might not be letting you watch and you can make her nervious by keeping tabs all the time. If mom is inexperienced (her 1st liter) this could also be the problem as she might be backing away.

Answer by  janedoe (701)

Sometimes rats born in captivity don't attach to their mothers, and sometimes the mothers don't attach to their young. You should take them to a vet to find out.

Answer by  Vllad45 (1886)

It is very difficult to get baby rats to nurse on anything but their mother; I have never been able to raise them successfully. Warm the milk, and be persistent.

Answer by  MsLizziebug (833)

Without knowing the age of the rats it's difficult to tell. They may be ready to be weaned. If they aren't ready to be weaned, maybe mother is refusing to nurse. Give them privacy and don't look in on them too frequently. If the babies go too long without nursing you'll have to hand feed them using kitten replacement milk.