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Soy Infant Formula
At PRRR we use Soy infant formula on a regular basis to provide additional vitamins and minerals to our rats. All age groups get offered this drink although we make sure that growing rats, ill rats or those that are in their senior years get the formula as often as they will drink it as it is like a food supplement.
We have also used this formula to hand raise 10 orphans who all survived to weaning age.
There are many studies that are ongoing into the “side effects” of soy of which none have been conclusive. Some researchers believe that soy can be the cause of tumors or cancer growth while others disagree. Since we have found that soy formula is readily accepted and does help those rats that have very little to eat we have continued to offer this product until such time as studies show that soy definitely does cause medical issues.
As well as Soy milk you can also offer Ensure which is another meal replacement formula which also works well.
We mix 1 part soy to 2 parts water for our weaned babies (over 5 weeks of age) and up.
For raising orphaned babies that are under 5 weeks we use a different mixture as the one above can cause tummy issues as the babies systems are still maturing. For young rats under 5 weeks old we use the mixtures as listed on the table below:
1st formula feed = 4 parts boiled water to 1 part formula (4:1 ratio) (4 teaspoons of boiled water to 1 teaspoon on formula)
2nd formula feed = 3.5 parts boiled water to 1 part forumla (3.5:1 ratio) (3.5 teaspoons of boiled water to 1 teaspoon on formula)
3rd formula feed = 3 parts boiled water to 1 part forumla (3:1 ratio) (3 teaspoons of boiled water to 1 teaspoon on formula)
4th formula feed = 2.5 parts boiled water to 1 part forumla (2.5:1 ratio) (2.5 teaspoons of boiled water to 1 teaspoon on formula)
5th formula feed = 2 parts boiled water to 1 part forumla (2:1 ratio) (2 teaspoons of boiled water to 1 teaspoon on formula)
The 5th formula ratio is what we use for 5 weeks and after. If you are needing to feed multiple babies you will need to mix up enough formula to feed everyone the amount they require. This can be worked out by weighing each baby (in grams)and times (*) that by 0.05 (5% of their body weight), which will give you the amount that the baby should have at each feed. This will need to be checked on a daily basis as weights increase or decrease.
Example = 15 grams fuzzy rats (just got fur) will need 0.75ml per feed (0.15 * 0.05 = 0.75).
Sometimes in young rats that are being given this formula they get diarrhea, if this occurs you will need to go back to the mixture from the first or second feeding (and then continue on like originally)to allow the babies tummies some time to settle down. If the Diarrhea continues there are other products on the market to help with replacing essential salts and fluids that the baby is losing which we will discuss later.
You can purchase a tin of Infant Soy Formula from your local chemist or supermarket in Australia which can retail for between $20 - $30 a tin which should last you a while depending on the numbers of rats you are caring for.
You can also use UHT soy milk however we have found that this is not so readily accepted with our rats and rescues so choose not to use it.