Mating Figure 1

Figure 1: Mating

mating

After your couple is together and you have determined that they are compatible and that the female is receptive they will begin to breed. The male will chase and then mount the female. She will assume the lordosis position (making her vaginal opening accessible to the male’s penis) and then copulation will occur. Each copulation session lasts only a few seconds and can occur up to 100 times in a 24-hour period.

mating

After each mating, the male will stop and lick his penis to clean it. Usually the female will wait patiently for him to return to her. An examination of the female’s vaginal opening will show wetness from sperm and often a “mucus plug” as evidence that the mating has been successful. This is usually, but not always a determination of actual pregnancy.

Photos by Joanne “Bella” Hodges

Cross-references

Linked from

Disclaimer

The Rat Guide and its affiliates accept no responsibility for misuse or misunderstanding of its information. This guide in whole or part, exists solely for the purpose of recognizing and understanding the care and illnesses in the pet rat. Please seek advice and treatment from a qualified veterinarian in the event your rat is or becomes ill.

2000 - 2024 by Karen Grant RN. All rights reserved.
All other written and visual materials used by permission of specific authors for the sole use of the Rat Guide. Please visit our Privacy Policy for details.
Brought to you by KuddlyKorner4u
See Logos page for linking to the Rat Guide.
Contact us here: Rat Guide Team
Please note: Rat Guide email is not checked daily. If you have an urgent medical problem with your pet rat, it is always best to take your rat to a qualified veterinarian experienced in the care and treatment of rats.