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Posted by patricia sherman on April 07, 2003 at 15:30:22:
In Reply to: Is this a problem with my female rat? posted by kylle345 on April 07, 2003 at 15:01:53:
Most mama-rats will start to build their nests about 24 hours before birthing commences. The blood spotting may or may not be indicative of a problem, slight blood-spotting a couple of hours before labour becomes intense isn't uncommon. Heavy spotting can indicate difficulty. Usually, once heavy labour starts, the first baby will arrive within an hour or so. Subsequent babies will arrive at approximately 12-to-15-minute intervals (sometimes closer), but sometimes a bit longer spacing for a first-time mama.
If your rat still is alert, and isn't just lying prostrate in her nest, she's probably okay. You should be able to observe the rippling contractions if she's in active labour. If she's in labour for more than two or three hours and no babies have arrived, then she may be in trouble.
tricia
