Rats...Do they make good pets?

nanokitten

I'm afraid you need to take him to the vets as we are not allowed to give medical advice on here, no point spending money on a nice new cage and skimping on medical care!

omen666

Slightly harsh in terms of making a assumption that I skimp on medical care, far from it as I love animals. Asking here as I am not sure what it is as I have no experience of keeping rats, my girlfriend did. Wasn't sure if it is anything to worry about.

ymakesmile

It will be best to take him to a vet as it could be a number of things. I would suggest that you really get him at least one other ratty friend tho, as they shouldn't be kept by themselves.

KVet

It could be skin mites, small furries are prone to them. Vets will give him ivermectin injections usually or Xeno spot on. Also ratties are better kept in at least pairs so could be over grooming through stress?

omen666

ymakesmile wrote: »

It will be best to take him to a vet as it could be a number of things. I would suggest that you really get him at least one other ratty friend tho, as they shouldn't be kept by themselves.

KVet wrote: »

It could be skin mites, small furries are prone to them. Vets will give him ivermectin injections usually or Xeno spot on. Also ratties are better kept in at least pairs so could be over grooming through stress?

Thanks for that, been reading up on that and never realised, quite happy to get another and shall do so this week. Is there any issues in getting another from the pet shop I got it from as a baby rat? I am thinking in terms of "bullying" etc

Fire_Fox

Don't get a second rat until you have sought medical treatment for the first!

omen666

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Don't get a second rat until you have sought medical treatment for the first!

Yes already considered that, would not put the current one at risk

ymakesmile

You shouldnt have too many problems getting him a friend and them bonding if he is only 2 months old. Just make sure you get the same sex :rolleyes::rolleyes:

nanokitten

Sorry If I sounded harsh, but alot of folks seem to post with medical questions on here which may delay calling the vets and their pet getting medical care. You can't mess around when animals are very young (anyone who saw the kitten die of a flea infestation on animal hospital will know what I mean). In my experience the vet nurse will often give free advice over the phone for minor problems and will tell you if it is serious and needs to come in or can be treated at home so it seems daft to delay calling. I do try to take my own advice and just took the kitten to the vet for a quick check up as she's getting a bit porky and the consult was only £15 and she answered a long list of my questions so it was well worth it.

Fork86

Sorry for the blunt question, but I am genuinely intrigued. Why did you choose a rat as a pet?