Being a mom takes a lot of energy. Mother rats need extra nutrition and rest. Plenty of fluids and fresh food ill help her keep up her energy. She has many mouths to feed. I like to supplement pegnant and lactating mothers with soy baby formula. Yhey really like it and it is very nutritional.It is important to keep her from any stress.

MOM

Most rats make excellent mothers and will spend most of their time nusing, cleaning, and making sure the little ones stay close to the nest. Provide her with a private place to nest and make sure that she is supplied with clean bedding regularly.

An average litter is 8-12 babies. I have had a litter as small as 1 and as large as 16. The largest litter I have ever heard of was 18, but they didn't all survive.   Do not let the male back in with the female after she has given birth. It is possible for a female rat to become impregnated the same day she gives birth. Back to back breeding is unsafe for the mother rat . It compromises her and her babies health.

Be careful about approaching the nest. Some moms are fine with having their litter handled. Some are not. The look you see on Anastasia's face (left) is the expression she gives that lets me know to leave her alone. Rats don't usually bite. But sometimes nursing moms will if they feel threatened. If the mom will allow you to handle the babies do so regularly. Socializing them young ensures that they will be good companions and will make placing them much easier,