About Jess Expertise i can answer most questions relating to fancy rats. I am knowledgeable about rat breeding, housing, feeding, training, handling, colour/type and some genetics. i have bred fancy rats for some years. i will respond to questions within hours of receiving them.
Experience i breed and show dumbo and top eared fancy rats in normal and rex coats.
Expert: Jess Date: 1/31/2005 Subject: Sneezing of my rat
Question Hi Jess
I just brough home my two little ladies Oreo (black head and stripe down her back) and Aero (brown head and stripe down her back) and I'm very concerned with Aero. She is sneezing and breathes much quicker than Oreo, and I've noticed Oreo sneezing a little (not as much as Aero) also). She eats, drinks, and plays with Oreo and is very curious with me and the strips of paper I hand her in the cage. She also seems to kind of shake a little bit when she is standing/lying.
I use LifeMate Hemp Bedding (it was recommended by the pet store) and feed them lab pellets with various veg. and fruits. I have also put some fresh garlic in their aquariam and some cooked egg. They have lots of fleece for nesting and strips of paper they take from me as kind of a game, however they don't really seem to sleep in it all the time. I was worried about the temp. because my house is rather cold so I took a heating pad and wraped it around the corner they sleep in keeping it warm and out of the way of teeth.
Should I worry about respitory infection... is it time to see the vet? I've only had them for three days but I'm already EXTREMELY attached... I'll do whatever I need to...
Robyn
P.S. Sorry about the long question... I just want to make sure you can make an informed recommendation.
Answer Hello Robyn,
Don't worry how many question you ask that's what I'm here for.
You say there in a aquariam, (I take that it is all glass), Normaly a all glass cage is not a good idea for a rat, but as you say it is cold in the house them it should be fine, but in the summer it could get to hot in the tank so they may need a wire cage. You also say that you use 'Fleece' for bedding, this is not sutiable for rats as it can hang them. Any paper based bedding is best or a fleecey lined hammock.
Here are something that may help now and in the future. Clean the cage about 3 times a week, use dust free bedding (paper based), Don't believe what pet shops tell you (always ask a breeder any questions) and please next time buy your rats from a breeder, then hopefuly there be healthy.
I would take Aero and Oreo to the vets, as it sounds that she has a respitory infection and it may have lead on a bit more (to something like pneumonia or if unleft could lead to heart failure).
Hope this helps and that Aero and Oreo are alright.
