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Pet Rats/self barbering
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Question
could you please give me some ways to help stop my rat self barbering, she started with just her two front legs but now she has a bald spot on her side. she gets out everyday and lives with two other rats and there is plenty for her to play with or chew up.What can I do to help her stop?
Hi Michaela
If she has toys to keep her busy, gets alot of outside play time and has cagemates, that means the problem is not really from boredom and if she is doing it herself, it is not from another dominating rat. It sounds as if the problem is behavioral and probably is usually genetic.
Chances are if her family roots were traced, it would show it runs in the family. Unfortunately, if this is the case, there is not much you can really truly do to stop her. Sometimes an anti anxiety medication helps such as a daily dose of valium.
Be sure to observe the areas that she is barbering for signs of irritation or inflammation and if you notice that, apply a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream three times a day.
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Answers by Expert:
Sandra Todd
Expertise
Please refer to my website, Sandys Critter city. Click the link below. Should it fail to take you to my website, please just go to sandyscrittercity.com. There may be alot of information for you that may help with your problems so please refer to my site as well as asking me whatever it is you are interested in knowing. I am here to assist you the best that I can in most areas concerning your rats! Critter City As one of the top experts here at allexperts for 2008, I am happy to be able to help advise others on the proper care of pet rats. I am a rat care specialist/advisor for area vets (I am NOT a Veterinarian nor do I imply that I am in any way) and have 20 plus years experience working with rodents. I can advise you on the most current treatments available to your rat for common and also complicated ailments that seem to affect domestic rats during their life time. I do telephone consults and have even had some wonderful Vets call me to compare notes/stories. I also have training in animal behavior with the main focus being the study of rodent behavior. I also have experience with wild rats, raising one myself.
Experience
My expertise
Includes the following:
1. Education on prevention of tumors, lung and heart disease and disease of the kidneys too.
2. Up to date treatments for tumors in rats,both benign or malignant tumors.
3. The most current treatments used successfully to treat lung and heart disease
4. Prevention and treatment of the mycoplasma organism that our rats are plagued with since the day they are born, among other common ailments that attack our rats, just to name a few.
My job as a rodent consultant is to educate the owner on proper care of the animal but in no way does my advice take the place of seeking professional treatment by a qualified Veterinarian.
However, I will contribute to this site by answering your questions about raising pet rats and any problems that may arise regarding their health, diet, husbandry and over all well being of the rat to **the best of my ability.**
Organizations
I maintain my website, Critter City and update it often to keep up with current treatments concerning pet rat health care. Please click the link above to take you there!
Publications
My own website of course, and also I have brochures on rat care that are found in various animal clinics in my area. I have also written an article for a rat and mouse magazine focusing on surgery on rats. The magazine is a UK based magazine.
Education/Credentials
I am a member of the ASPCA.
Awards and Honors
Was honored by being chosen to be one of the top 50 experts of 2008
Past/Present Clients
My past clients have been through various animal clinics and I also am mentor to new rat owners that reach me through here and my website too.
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