They say the mother does get annoyed by the babies. So you should take her out and give her a break from them maybe at least once a day.Lila, I thought you were going to look into getting a new cage too. But here you say you have lots of them, when the babies are gone? I wish I could get you cages. I find them so easy, because I love going to thrift stores and I am very persistant when I want to find something at a good deal. Also, I worry about rats in the wrong cages. Maybe I could figure out something for Maddie, to make an easy 2nd floor. Maddie, give me the measurements of the cage. How long, wide, and deep is it?