I need rat help!

[PixieStixxxx]

We had a mass seizure of 14 rats from a single person who was only feeding them bread and cheese. There were 11 females, and 3 males..2 of the males were adopted out the next day, leaving on solo guy with a big wound on his tail.

Long story short, I have him now due to lack of space. And I'm not the most knowledgable person about rats. Help?

 

[JadeIcing]

I called Amy and let her know.

 

[undergunfire]

How old are these rats approximately? Were the females and males housed together?

You are looking at a chance of over 140 babies if all those females are pregnant. Emergency spays are needed ASAP. If that is not possible, then you must contact rat rescues in the area. I can help you look them up.

Rats need to be fed lab blocks, which can be purchased at pet stores. A lab block will be better for them nutritionally then a seed mixture. They all may need to be fed extra protien and nutrients...start out with scrambled eggs and chocolate weight gaining Ensure....slowly, as not to upset their tummies. Baby food will also be good for them at this point, as will a HIGH quality dog food (ask me about this, if interested).

What types of cages are they in? If they are in tanks, they need to be switched over to wire cages, ASAP.

From what you have already stated, mostly all the rats probably have upper respiratory infections...which means they need a combo of medications...probably Baytril and another combined.

These rats (and the male you brought home) need to be seen by a vet ASAP....rats go downhill fast if they are sick.



Can you post pictures of the females and the wound on the male's tail?

 

[PixieStixxxx]

We don't know how old these rats are. The one with me is very active, and he's HUGE. I've never seen a rat so big.

I don't know how the previous owner kept these rats.. probably together =T They all immediately went to the Vet and stayed there for two days. And I believe you're right about the upper respitory infection, this male rat I have has been sneezing a little. He's currently in a wire cage with me, and on my shoulder at this moment.

I'm making him boiled eggs right now.. is that alright? And for scrambled, I'm assuming that you don't use oil.

He's being treated for the wound.. it's already healing. I'll take pics later tonight when I get my camera back.

I've never heard of a lab block, I can just purchase them at any pet store? And yes, I am interested about the high quality dog food.

Thank you so much Amy!

 

[undergunfire]

I am not sure what type of high quality dog foods you have in Cananda, and if they are the same as what we have here?

Would you be interested in joining a rat forum, where there are quite a few Canandian members who can help you with that ?

www.goosemoose.com

They will also be able to help you out by finding rescues to take in all those babies that MAY be born.


I have to run out, if you have any urgent questions....please ask the rat forum, they are excellent over there :biggrin2:.

 

[PixieStixxxx]

I do of one rat rescue here in Vancouver that just opened up last year.. Little Mischief Rat Rescue! I've only heard great things about them, so I'm going to take a trip down there and get some information.

I'm going to buy ensure and sthat his emergency kit.

He wasn't a big fan of the boiled egg, so I did the scrambled egg without oil. And he's munching it down.

We've decided to name him "Aten" after the Egyptian God who was primary praised during Pharoah Akhenaten's rule.

Thank you so much, Amy!

 

[undergunfire]

That is such a cute name!

I hope you have joined goosemoose and can find some help from fellow Canadians....I am just not sure if we have the same products as over there?

I sooo hope that rescue can help you and the ratties!


Hang in there, it sounds like you are doing a great job.




p.s...when rats have eggs, you can also crunch up the egg shell in the eggs while you cook them. You can also give them a hard boiled egg, leave the shell :biggrin2:!

 

[PixieStixxxx]

Wow, I never would've thought about leaving the egg shell on! I have so much to learn about these little guys.

Thanks for the forums, I have joined and am typing up a help thread right now :biggrin2:

[Aten is asleep on my shoulder's right now, what a doll]