Originally posted by magcpen
Wow, fourteen babies! I hope you get a Merle like you want, but I didn't know that rat babies can be born with different breeds, which I think got me confused about their adoption certificate (my ratties). Anyway, I hope they grow into happy and healthy rats who will grow up in good homes. I can't wait to see more pics!
(P.S. What's a milk band?)

There are no breeds of rats, just types. Types are different colors, markings, ear set and fur type. There is a "breed" trying to be made now, which is the Cashmere rat. These rats are dumbo self velveteens. But even that is still up in the open.


What is confusing you with your ratties, maybe I can answer some questions for you? Did she provide a pedigree for the rats? This is a list of ancesters the rats share, like the parents, great grandparents etc. It should also state the rats type, like if they were a blue berkshire rex, or a lilac agouti self.


Milk bands are the little white splotches you see in the tummies of the babies. Since baby ratties are see through, you can see their internal organs and the milk in their tum tums, which is helpful when determining whether or not the babies are recieving enough milk from the mother. If no milk band is visible then there is a chance the mom is not producing enough. For Chloe that is not the case, her babies look like they are about to explode with milk lol.

I took a few more photos so I will upload those in a bit.


Thanks again everyone! Chloe really appreciates all the great comments........I have been reading the thread to her.