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My rat might be pregnant. How to tell how far along & ultrasound cost?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rat | Female | unspayed

I have two dumbo rat and I’m really sure one of them is pregnant and the other one might be too, how do I know how far along they are in there pregnancy? Also how much is an average rat ultrasound ?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lotus Altholtz

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Lab Animal Medicine Specialist

Published on January 23rd, 2019

Gestation in rats is only 21 days (21 days from mating to delivery of pups) so if Violet is pregnant you likely won’t have long to wait. Generally by 2 weeks after mating you will notice that their belly is distended. If so, keeping them singly housed until delivery and until the rat pups are weaned at 3 weeks is recommended. In addition, not disturbing the Mom/not changing the bedding for the first week after delivery is also recommended to prevent stress induced cannibalism of the pups. Veterinary ultrasounds are usually hundreds of dollars but call around at both traditional and exotics practices, some may offer ultrasounds at a minimal fee for a rat. In the meantime, make sure that Violet has plenty of food and water as well as nesting material like cotton nestlets/cardboard huts. Good luck!

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