Kitty's Babies, Day 16 (Sunday 10th August, 2008)

Morning: Weigh-in

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We had a big weigh-in this morning. It's getting more difficult to weigh the whole litter, as even using a high mixing bowl they were trying to climb out. It would probably work better without putting a hammock in there as padding. The total litter weight is now 496 grams, that's an average of 41 1/3 grams and 32 grams heavier than Kitty.

We also took the kittens' individual weights in grams by adding them one at a time and noting the total weight so far. They are: Agouti boys, 43,42; Headspot boy, 41; Blue agouti boy, 42; Blazed Essex boy, 42; Agouti girls 42,43,41,41; Headspot girl with pied tail, 40; Headspot girl with spotted tail, 39; Blue agouti girl, 43.

Kitty is finding that she can't get away from the kittens as easily as before. We've given her a hammock where they can't reach her, so she's getting some peace. Here she is eating her breakfast, with a kitten who's found her and latched on.

We've decided to give the ratties we keep Warwickshire river names, which gives us Sherbourne, Avon and Cole for the boys, and Swift, Arrow and Blythe for the girls.

Evening

Granny Glitter really is being a big help. Here she is sharing the nest as Kitty feeds the babies. It means that when Kitty has had enough and gone off for a break there is still a warm furry blanket/mattress there for the kittens.

The babies are nibbling on little bits of food. We saw one eating broccoli yesterday, but now they all seem to be trying anything they come across. We watched one little mite determinedly continuing to eat a tasty bit of chicken whilst being groomed to within an inch of her life by Granny. They really are mini-rats now. They already stick their back toes into their ears when they're grooming, just like an adult, and are grown up enough to have squeaky wrestling matches in the nest.

No more photos tonight as hubby has nicked off with his camera. But OMG how much fun it is sticking your hand in a nest of baby rats and getting nibbled all over!

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