About Lindsay Newell Expertise I can answer nearly all questions to do with rodents. I am an experienced rodent breeder breeding rats, mice, degus, hamsters and Gerbils. I also breed guinea pigs. I currently work at Grangewood zoo with a variety of mammals, birds and snakes. Any questions about birds or reptiles can also be asked as I have tarantulas and reptiles and birds.
Experience
Past/Present clients Pet shops
Public
Animal shelters
Small zoos
veterinary surgeons
clients
Question Hi,
I am a rat breeder..however, I've noticed more porphyrin deposits on my rats eyes lately. I have not taken in any new rats for a while. All of them are very healthy, no sneezing or anything, just deposits around the eyes. Any clue as to why?
Also, I attempted breeding a female last night and she was in heat, but reluctant. This girl has given me 3 litters, 2 of which were successful, however, she kept rolling on her back when my male attempted to breed with her. I don't think the mating was sucessful. I know she was in heat though, as her vagina was gapping open as my females do when the go into heat.
One more, I think I actually found a wax plug in the bottom of one cage, I have a male and 2 females in there and I am setting them up for breeding. The plug was a creamy color, felt like hard candle wax, and was kind of odd shaped, about the size of 1/2 a dime. Sound like a copulary (spelling) plug to you?
Thanks a lot!
Answer You should probably get some eye ointment from the vets for the eyes but maybe the female has already been mated with or she is not ready yet. Leave it a couple of days and try her again. I cannot say if it is a copulary plug as I do not know the size of a dime!!! as I live in the UK
