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Cardiovorax
Jun 5, 2011

I mean, if you're a successful actress and you go out of the house in a skirt and without underwear, knowing that paparazzi are just waiting for opportunities like this and that it has happened many times before, then there's really nobody you can blame for it but yourself.
Raw eggs are one option, but that's probably not the best idea in a rat with a compromised immune system. Hard-boiled eggs mixed with a bit of liquid and put through a blender should work fine, though.

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Big Bug Hug
Nov 19, 2002
I'm with stupid*
You could pick up some Ensure or something like that, it's a high calorie supplement that mixes up like a milkshake. I've used it a lot for old and sick rats. It comes in chocolate or vanilla and rats generally go nuts for it. It's sold in pharmacies or you can probably find some online.

Jin Wicked
Jul 4, 2007

Well, I never!
Yeah, the chocolate Ensure is always a hit.

I've been able to pick it up at places like Target and Walmart, too.

Chakattack!
May 23, 2004
95% Cheesecake
So against my original plans and better judgement I just adopted two rescue rats to keep Mouse company - two young-ish girls (the shelter had no idea how old they are, but they look adolescent to me, not full grown yet). One is a PEW who seems super chilled and the other is a black hooded rex rat who is as fluffy as a cloud and super adorable. They both seem really well socialised and I'm hoping together they can stand up to my domineering older girl.

Left them to 'quarantine' and chill out in the small hospital cage I have and planning to introduce them outside the cage when I get home tonight. I will post pics when I get a chance to have some snaps, rex girl is the cutest thing. :)

Oops - got more rats.

Jack Trades
Nov 30, 2010

My sick boy passed away last night. I was asleep so I don't know exactly what happened but the respiratory infection must have gotten him...

Is it a good idea to get two young rat boys when I have a big older boy? I've read that rats get depressed very easily when alone and I don't want that for the boy I still have.

Patchouli Patrol
Nov 11, 2007

So sorry to hear about your boy, Jack :(

Big Bug Hug
Nov 19, 2002
I'm with stupid*

Jack Trades posted:

My sick boy passed away last night. I was asleep so I don't know exactly what happened but the respiratory infection must have gotten him...

Is it a good idea to get two young rat boys when I have a big older boy? I've read that rats get depressed very easily when alone and I don't want that for the boy I still have.

I'm sorry :(
Generally it is a good idea to get some company for an older rat. Rats are very social and can get lonely and depressed. I've always found old boys are happier and perk up a bit with young companions. Be sure you have a plan B in case they don't get along, like temporary separate cages or the ability to return them to the breeder. Usually it's not an issue.

Chakattack!
May 23, 2004
95% Cheesecake
I'm sorry for your loss. When I had Blue PTS Mouse was obviously very depressed and shut down (sitting in a corner, not moving much, not even really eating either) - when I had her out the cage with me she was perky and fine but in the cage she was miserable. I was taking her out with me as much as physically possible but still didn't think it was fair. Hence why I have two rescue "babies" of questionable age now.

I've just had the most bizarrely easy intros I've ever done - introduced them twice outside the cage then just popped them into the big cage with Mouse and half an hour later they're all sleeping together and someone was even bruxing. Even before they were living together I could see Mouse had perked up just knowing there were other rats around.

If you do get baby boys to keep your older chap company, don't be deterred if intros don't go too smoothly. Sometimes it can take a lot of work and patience to introduce groups. Last time I did this it took over a week of switching cages, neutralising the environment, putting them in stressful situations together to bond etc. My mind is blown that it's been so easy (thus far) this time.

Fraction
Mar 27, 2010

CATS RULE DOGS DROOL

FERRETS ARE ALSO PRETTY MEH, HONESTLY


I'm worried for if one of my two girls drops, as they're both about a year and a half old now. I'm going for boy rats next so I wouldn't wanna get more girls

Lunchmeat Larry
Nov 3, 2012

Remaining rat seems to be getting on okay - she's sleeping a bit more, but has remained relatively active, still eating a lot and seems perky. She adores us now and just wants to come out and cuddle all the time, but seems quite happy after having done so - she obviously really wants company, but I think she's happy with what we provide. I just don't want her to be lonely during the day or anything :( I'd be tempted to get her a baby or two, but I'm not sure how well introductions would go since she can be a bit boisterous and bossy, and our flat doesn't have anywhere near enough room for new cages or anything if it came down to keeping them separate for a while. I think she'll be okay on her own.

Big Bug Hug
Nov 19, 2002
I'm with stupid*
I got a new boy a while back, as one of my boys is about 2 years, 3 months. New boy is the same age as the elderly rat's cagemate Jasper, about 5 months now.

When I got him it quickly became apparent he was a nut job, chasing in a slightly overbearing, aggressive way. I had him neutered. Now he gets along with Jasper, and is really sweet and playful with him. They love each other. With people he is adorable and crazy and loves to wrestle hands and run around playfully.

But he still HATES Minty, the elderly boy. Minty never had an aggressive bone in his body and never did anything but lay there and submit to him. At first Minty was scared of him but after his neuter and some separation he's not really frightened, mostly indifferent... but the new boy gets one sniff of Minty and puffs up like crazy and wants to eat him. I've waited to see what happens... they get in a serious tussle, but Minty has hind limb degeneration and can't really defend himself. He gets very scared.

So they remain in two cages. I won't let Minty live out his old age being bullied. Luckily, Jasper and the new guy come out a lot and play together, and Jasper even visits his cage with no issue. When Minty goes at least they can be cagemates.

Anyone ever had two rats that just inexplicably hated each other?

Big Bug Hug fucked around with this message at 13:50 on Feb 23, 2014

Jin Wicked
Jul 4, 2007

Well, I never!
It happens occasionally. I had a pair of neutered brothers that lived with an older female as adolescents.

After the female passed away (age), one of the males would try to murder any rat except his brother.

It was really heartbreaking when his brother died. He laid there by the brother's side all day.

He loved people though and seemed to do okay as a solitary rat the rest of his life.

Big Bug Hug
Nov 19, 2002
I'm with stupid*
I'm glad it's the old boy he hates I guess, as when the old man passes on the two younger ones can live together. I'm not planning on getting any more rats unfortunately. Having two in separate cages indefinitely wouldn't be fair. Crazy boy seems pretty content for now though with daily play time with his buddy.

Jack Trades
Nov 30, 2010

My boy recently started scratching a lot behind his ears. There are no sores yet but it seems like they can appear if he keeps scratching. He only scratching behind his both ears and the skin looks normal.

Any idea on what it might be?

nunsexmonkrock
Apr 13, 2008

Jack Trades posted:

My boy recently started scratching a lot behind his ears. There are no sores yet but it seems like they can appear if he keeps scratching. He only scratching behind his both ears and the skin looks normal.

Any idea on what it might be?

Maybe mites? Do you freeze your rats bedding before putting it in the cage? I can't tell by the small amount of information given, but the Ivermectin treatment in the OP worked perfectly to cure my infestation.

GenderSelectScreen
Mar 7, 2010

I DON'T KNOW EITHER DON'T ASK ME
College Slice
One of my rats seems to have what looks like blood staining his coat. I thought it was blueberries at first but not it's gotten that dry blood-like color. I've checked him for scratches but haven't seen some kind of source for it.

Jack Trades
Nov 30, 2010

I don't really know what to do here.
Ever since one of my boys passed away, his brother spends all his time in his cage, mostly sitting in a corner and chewing toys.
He doesn't go out on his own (I never lock the cage, they can roam free around the room) but he doesn't seem to mind my company.

I've read that rats get depressed when they're alone. If that's true, is there anything I can do for him?
I want to take another pair of boys but I won't be able to do it this month.

nunsexmonkrock posted:

Maybe mites? Do you freeze your rats bedding before putting it in the cage? I can't tell by the small amount of information given, but the Ivermectin treatment in the OP worked perfectly to cure my infestation.

Okay, I'll check him for mites. What are some other symptoms of mite infection?

JGBeagle posted:

One of my rats seems to have what looks like blood staining his coat. I thought it was blueberries at first but not it's gotten that dry blood-like color. I've checked him for scratches but haven't seen some kind of source for it.

It's porphyrin. That might be a symptom of respiratory infection or just stress.
Here's some information regarding that: http://ratballs.com/RatTails/Tails081.html

Jack Trades fucked around with this message at 18:39 on Feb 24, 2014

nunsexmonkrock
Apr 13, 2008

Jack Trades posted:

I don't really know what to do here.
Ever since one of my boys passed away, his brother spends all his time in his cage, mostly sitting in a corner and chewing toys.
He doesn't go out on his own (I never lock the cage, they can roam free around the room) but he doesn't seem to mind my company.

I've read that rats get depressed when they're alone. If that's true, is there anything I can do for him?
I want to take another pair of boys but I won't be able to do it this month.

I have had rats die from depression before when they lost cagemates (stops eating and drinking). I would strongly suggest getting him 2 friends. Just be sure to do the introduction properly. They way I do it is I use vanilla extract and put it on their butts, stomachs and behind their ears, leave them alone for 10ish minutes to get them all used to the scent. Then I introduce them on neutral territory (bath tub or a spare cage). If that doesn't work you can try using 2 cages, keep them close together (but not so close that they can bite each others tails) and after a few days switch who's in what cages so they constantly smell eachother.

Jack Trades posted:

Okay, I'll check him for mites. What are some other symptoms of mite infection?
Black flecks, red flecks or white flecks that move...Some can be microscopic though. Constant scratching and scabs are also a common sign. Scabs usually appear around the face or stomach area from my experience. Sometimes they can have them for years without notice and only show signs when it's a really bad infestation or when they are ill.

Jack Trades posted:

It's porphyrin. That might be a symptom of respiratory infection or just stress.
Here's some information regarding that: http://ratballs.com/RatTails/Tails081.html

Yes it can be from either, if it is a respiratory issue I have personally found a single chocolate chip to help or 2 drops of flavored childrens Echinacea from Whole Foods to help.

A trip to your local small animal vet may help too, if you have that option. I hope all goes well.

nunsexmonkrock fucked around with this message at 19:58 on Feb 24, 2014

Jack Trades
Nov 30, 2010

nunsexmonkrock posted:

I have had rats die from depression before when they lost cagemates (stops eating and drinking). I would strongly suggest getting him 2 friends.

Thanks for the info.
He still eats and drinks like normal, so I suppose that's not an issue.

I was planning on getting two young boys. That way, hopefully, nobody will have to be alone in 1-2 years.

Jack Trades
Nov 30, 2010

nunsexmonkrock posted:

Black flecks, red flecks or white flecks that move...Some can be microscopic though. Constant scratching and scabs are also a common sign. Scabs usually appear around the face or stomach area from my experience. Sometimes they can have them for years without notice and only show signs when it's a really bad infestation or when they are ill.

The thing is that I treated him for lice, about 6 weeks ago, and I'm 100% certain he doesn't have lice, because I know for sure how they look,

nunsexmonkrock
Apr 13, 2008

Jack Trades posted:

I was planning on getting two young boys. That way, hopefully, nobody will have to be alone in 1-2 years.

That's the reason I always get at least 2 for a lone rat. It's sad that they have such short life spans when they are so adorable but thinking ahead helps :(

Jack Trades posted:

The thing is that I treated him for lice, about 6 weeks ago, and I'm 100% certain he doesn't have lice, because I know for sure how they look,
Some are microscopic, as in you can't see them. If you are at all unsure a small animal vet could run tests and tell :)

nunsexmonkrock fucked around with this message at 20:13 on Feb 24, 2014

Patchouli Patrol
Nov 11, 2007

JGBeagle posted:

One of my rats seems to have what looks like blood staining his coat. I thought it was blueberries at first but not it's gotten that dry blood-like color. I've checked him for scratches but haven't seen some kind of source for it.


What color is your rat and where on the coat is it? My PEW/Himalayan has this weird reddish-rusty patch on the back of her neck and as far as we can tell, it's entirely cosmetic.

Jin Wicked
Jul 4, 2007

Well, I never!
Sometimes the light-coloured rats can have porphyrin staining behind the ears from repeated grooming.

If it isn't excessive and there are no other signs of illness or injury, I'd just keep an eye on him.

Chakattack!
May 23, 2004
95% Cheesecake
So my new girls are settling in astonishingly well. No fighting, they sleep together all the time, I can't even work out any really obvious hierarchy as nobody is getting bullied or power-groomed or anything.

I'm just a little concerned about my tiny rex girl - she's way smaller than her PEW "sister" (I really doubt they're from the same litter or even the same age, they're such a difference in size, unless she's incredibly runty). In the cage she sometimes just seems to shut down - she'll hunker down in a corner and won't respond to anything, food held infront of her, petting, gentle words. She doesn't even cringe like she's scared - it's like she's literally just switched off. I know she's not terrified because she lets me pick her up and handle her easily, and when she's out of the cage with me she'll climb all over me and come to me for snuggles. Also, she lets me grab her when she gets places she shouldn't which seems like an amazing display of trust from a under-socialised rescue rat I've had for 3 days. But her random shut-downs in the cage are freaking me out, making me think she's ill or something.

Any ideas, rat goons?

Edited to add: As well as being pretty small she also feels pretty skinny and I NEVER see her eating and she won't take food from me (not unusual from new rats in a weird environment I know) so I'm starting to worry that she's not getting enough food or something. Oh god I've had these rats 3 days already I'm like MY BABIESSSSSS.

Chakattack! fucked around with this message at 21:33 on Feb 24, 2014

nunsexmonkrock
Apr 13, 2008

Chakattack! posted:

So my new girls are settling in astonishingly well. No fighting, they sleep together all the time, I can't even work out any really obvious hierarchy as nobody is getting bullied or power-groomed or anything.

I'm just a little concerned about my tiny rex girl - she's way smaller than her PEW "sister" (I really doubt they're from the same litter or even the same age, they're such a difference in size, unless she's incredibly runty). In the cage she sometimes just seems to shut down - she'll hunker down in a corner and won't respond to anything, food held infront of her, petting, gentle words. She doesn't even cringe like she's scared - it's like she's literally just switched off. I know she's not terrified because she lets me pick her up and handle her easily, and when she's out of the cage with me she'll climb all over me and come to me for snuggles. Also, she lets me grab her when she gets places she shouldn't which seems like an amazing display of trust from a under-socialised rescue rat I've had for 3 days. But her random shut-downs in the cage are freaking me out, making me think she's ill or something.

Any ideas, rat goons?

Edited to add: As well as being pretty small she also feels pretty skinny and I NEVER see her eating and she won't take food from me (not unusual from new rats in a weird environment I know) so I'm starting to worry that she's not getting enough food or something. Oh god I've had these rats 3 days already I'm like MY BABIESSSSSS.

I don't have much experience with female rats...but with that being said. I've had lots of luck switching to other kinda healthy staples (ie from Harlan Teklad to Mazuri or Oxbow) because they each have a slightly different flavor. I've even used those crappy nut and seed mixes to fatten up thin rats because it gives them a variety and may be what they are used to from the breeder or the store. I slowly mix in the healthier foods as they get adapted to their new environment.

Edit: By the way, congrats on your new rats. Get a sweet green bell pepper, seriously, every rat I've ever had loves them...Don't over do it though :)

nunsexmonkrock fucked around with this message at 21:52 on Feb 24, 2014

Chakattack!
May 23, 2004
95% Cheesecake

nunsexmonkrock posted:

I don't have much experience with female rats...but with that being said. I've had lots of luck switching to other kinda healthy staples (ie from Harlan Teklad to Mazuri or Oxbow) because they each have a slightly different flavor. I've even used those crappy nut and seed mixes to fatten up thin rats because it gives them a variety and may be what they are used to from the breeder or the store. I slowly mix in the healthier foods as they get adapted to their new environment.

Edit: By the way, congrats on your new rats. Get a sweet green bell pepper, seriously, every rat I've ever had loves them...Don't over do it though :)

Thanks for your advice! They're on a pretty crappy seed-heavy generic rat mix at the moment because that's what they were being fed at the rescue and I didn't want to upset their diet too much. I don't think it's that food isn't suitable, I just never see her eating and she's really skinny. It's more the shutting down like a robot that concerns me.

I usually make up my own mix of grains, low-protein dog food, pasta and fresh veg so I know they'll be getting a good diet when I wean them off this lovely pet store food! I'm in the UK so I don't think we have any of the brands you listed - commercial small animal food here is pretty woeful to be honest.

Patchouli Patrol
Nov 11, 2007

It's only been three days. In another day or two, they'll have sorted their nonsense out and be snuggly BFFs.

Chakattack!
May 23, 2004
95% Cheesecake

Patchouli Patrol posted:

It's only been three days. In another day or two, they'll have sorted their nonsense out and be snuggly BFFs.

That's the thing - they're already snuggly BFFs! There's no fighting, squabbling, any indications of tussling for hierarchy, not even power grooming or posturing. Little rex girl sleeps with the other two and doesn't seem to be bullied by them. She has a strong bond with her sister and Mouse (older girl) doesn't give her any trouble. She just sometimes chooses to go off on her own to a corner or the top shelf and just sits there like she's absolutely paralyzed. It's so weird and I'm just worried it's the behaviour of a rat who's sick and trying to hide it.

Big Bug Hug
Nov 19, 2002
I'm with stupid*

Chakattack! posted:

That's the thing - they're already snuggly BFFs! There's no fighting, squabbling, any indications of tussling for hierarchy, not even power grooming or posturing. Little rex girl sleeps with the other two and doesn't seem to be bullied by them. She has a strong bond with her sister and Mouse (older girl) doesn't give her any trouble. She just sometimes chooses to go off on her own to a corner or the top shelf and just sits there like she's absolutely paralyzed. It's so weird and I'm just worried it's the behaviour of a rat who's sick and trying to hide it.

I have a boy who goes up to the top of the cage by himself and sits transfixed for like an hour at a time. If you look closely, he is sniffing, his nose twitching wildly. He is fascinated by smells especially if there's a window open. He has this really far away look on his face, it's funny. Is your girl doing this? Or perhaps listening to something?

Since she's skinny you could try giving her some baby food, or ensure, or something equally delicious and high calorie. Rats usually can't resist eggs either.

nunsexmonkrock
Apr 13, 2008

Chakattack! posted:

Thanks for your advice! They're on a pretty crappy seed-heavy generic rat mix at the moment because that's what they were being fed at the rescue and I didn't want to upset their diet too much. I don't think it's that food isn't suitable, I just never see her eating and she's really skinny. It's more the shutting down like a robot that concerns me.

I usually make up my own mix of grains, low-protein dog food, pasta and fresh veg so I know they'll be getting a good diet when I wean them off this lovely pet store food! I'm in the UK so I don't think we have any of the brands you listed - commercial small animal food here is pretty woeful to be honest.

Aww sorry, I hope she starts eating soon. Hunking down in the corner can also be a sign of respiratory distress, is she having trouble breathing? ... Just trying to open up all avenues to figure it out.

Edit: Also try dried whole wheat pasta, I've never had a rat that wouldn't eat it and you can easily hear them eating it to make sure.

nunsexmonkrock fucked around with this message at 04:41 on Feb 25, 2014

GenderSelectScreen
Mar 7, 2010

I DON'T KNOW EITHER DON'T ASK ME
College Slice
I try to give my boys a different grain each day along with some greens. I feed them Rice Chex for treats.

Is lethargy a symptom of a respiratory disease? My red-leaking rat has been laying about all day looking really depressed.

Big Bug Hug
Nov 19, 2002
I'm with stupid*
I normally see lethargy in rats who have bad resp. Infections, usually at the point where they also have decreasing appetite/weight loss. It's by no means the only reason a rat can be lethargic though. Does he have other symptoms?

GenderSelectScreen
Mar 7, 2010

I DON'T KNOW EITHER DON'T ASK ME
College Slice
He hasn't sneezed in a while and his breathing sounds normal when I bring him to my ear. I'm just hoping that he's just hungry/wanting to go back to his cage, which is being cleaned at the moment. If his condition doesn't improve by tomorrow I'll try to find a vet.

Jack Trades
Nov 30, 2010

My boy has been acting weird lately.
Since his brother passed away he's been spending most of his time in a corner of his cage, chewing his toys, and he seems to be afraid of me for some reason.
Before he was comfortable with me, no problems, but now he squeeks when I try to pick him up and he shivers and hides under my shirt when I sit him on my lap.

Usually I would think that it's a sign of lethargy and that he's sick but he seems healthy and he eats and drinks normally.

Jack Trades fucked around with this message at 12:13 on Feb 25, 2014

GenderSelectScreen
Mar 7, 2010

I DON'T KNOW EITHER DON'T ASK ME
College Slice

Jack Trades posted:

Usually I would think that it's a sign of lethargy and that he's sick but he seems healthy and he eats and drinks normally.

I just want to point out that this is how my rat is acting. He'll perk up when I feed them treats but right after he'll lay down and look down in the dumps.

Cardiovorax
Jun 5, 2011

I mean, if you're a successful actress and you go out of the house in a skirt and without underwear, knowing that paparazzi are just waiting for opportunities like this and that it has happened many times before, then there's really nobody you can blame for it but yourself.
I'm going out this afternoon to pick up a new boy to keep my leftover rat buddy company. I hope they'll do well together, wish me luck.

Big Bug Hug
Nov 19, 2002
I'm with stupid*

Jack Trades posted:

My boy has been acting weird lately.
Since his brother passed away he's been spending most of his time in a corner of his cage, chewing his toys, and he seems to be afraid of me for some reason.
Before he was comfortable with me, no problems, but now he squeeks when I try to pick him up and he shivers and hides under my shirt when I sit him on my lap.

Usually I would think that it's a sign of lethargy and that he's sick but he seems healthy and he eats and drinks normally.

Some rats are much more confident with other rats around. Maybe he's a bit shaken up since he lost his buddy. Often there is a lot of adjustment in the heirarchy of a group when one dies and they have squabbles and such. Is he alone in the cage?

Jack Trades
Nov 30, 2010

Big Bug Hug posted:

Some rats are much more confident with other rats around. Maybe he's a bit shaken up since he lost his buddy. Often there is a lot of adjustment in the heirarchy of a group when one dies and they have squabbles and such. Is he alone in the cage?

Yes, he's alone for the moment. I only had a pair of brothers.
I am going to try to find another pair of boys, so that nobody has to be alone, now or a couple of years later, but it might take time because I live in the middle of nowhere.

Cardiovorax
Jun 5, 2011

I mean, if you're a successful actress and you go out of the house in a skirt and without underwear, knowing that paparazzi are just waiting for opportunities like this and that it has happened many times before, then there's really nobody you can blame for it but yourself.
Man, I hope this is going to work out. The new guy is maybe half the size of my other rat, if that, and probably less than a third the weight. The size difference is so much that my old boy could probably accidentally kill the newcomer just by sitting on him. Anybody have experience keeping rats with extreme size differences? Does this work out in the long run?

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dovetaile
Jul 8, 2011

Grimey Drawer
So lately one of my rats has been taking change off my desk. Is there a way I can get this to benefit me?

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