How to Prevent Mother Bamboo Rats from Biting, Eating, or Abandoning Their Young

How to Prevent Mother Bamboo Rats from Biting, Eating, and Abandoning Their Young

Mother rats biting, eating, or abandoning their young mostly occurs within 48 hours after birth. The causes are varied, and corresponding measures can be taken according to the specific situation.

1. The mother rat has small nipples and insufficient milk. The pups suckle and nuzzle restlessly under the mother's belly, crying incessantly, and the mother rat, agitated and uneasy, will let out a cry and then bite and eat the pups. Prevention method: when selecting breeding stock, choose mother rats with large and evenly sized teats as breeders.

2. The temperature is too high or too low. Prevention method: choose a cool, dry place to build the cages and housing. A basement or rock cave is best, but on humid days with south winds, be sure to clean the nest chamber promptly. Keep the birthing room temperature at 8-28 degrees.

3. Postpartum disturbance. Prevention method: keep the environment as quiet as possible during birthing. Management personnel should not watch from the side, and even more so should not touch the bamboo rats with their hands or poke at them with wooden sticks.

4. If the mother rat is injured, the pain and unease will also cause her to bite and eat the pups. Prevention method: isolate pregnant mother rats and raise them individually to avoid fighting. If injuries are found, treat them promptly.

5. Poor ventilation in the birthing cage. Prevention method: check frequently. Once the mother rat pushes feces and bedding to the entrance of the burrow, clear them away promptly to maintain good ventilation and airflow in the birthing chamber.