For both mice and rats, pups are usually weaned at 21 days of age. In specific circumstances, some pups might benefit from an extra week with the mom, and later weaning at 28 days of age. Those include small, weak, runt pups from specific strains such as certain inbred or genetically modified strains. In any case, limit the cage to a single generation, and wean the older litter before the new litter is born 8.
This helps prevent overcrowding of the cage, which can be a significant welfare issue as small animals run the risk to be trampled and killed. Weanlings should be separated by sex, and males from different litters should not be combined to avoid fighting especially in mice.
Females can be combined more easily. In their new cage, weanlings can sometimes have a hard time in the first few days to find the water source and food source, and mortality is sometimes observed after weaning.
To prevent that, simply provide a reachable source of water and food. In two studies, done in collaboration with Indiana University 9 and Maine Medical Center Research Institute 10 , breeding females were found to have significantly higher body weights during and after lactation, suggesting quicker recovery after birth. A study is currently ongoing to assess those measurements. To learn more, check out our Breeding Support blog series. Learn about animal research industry best practices and stay up-to-date on the latest news from ClearH2O by subscribing today.
You are using an outdated browser. The legacy of this great resource continues in the online and mobile app versions today. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Common Veterinary Topics. Videos Figures Images Quizzes. For More Information. Test your knowledge. Squamous cell carcinoma is a common neoplasm in several species. Ocular squamous cell carcinoma is most common in animals with light pigmentation around the eyes, because sun exposure is one of several predisposing factors.
More Content. Was This Page Helpful? Yes No. Her behavior may change at any point -- for example, she may become more aggressive to her cage mates. Provide extra high-protein food, such as kitten food, for her along with her normal diet, and give her as much as she wants of both. Also move her to a separate cage from your other rats.
A one-level cage is best, as baby rats can easily fall and hurt themselves. Keep her cage in a warm room and provide a medium-sized cardboard box with a rat-sized hole in the side. Also tear up plenty of plain toilet tissue or paper towels into strips. While she's nursing, provide the mother with as much food as she wants, both her normal feed and the high-protein food you gave her during pregnancy.
They can have the same food as adult rats. Handle the kittens frequently once they have left the nest.
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