Bathing?

[Asheka]

I'm pretty sure I've seen topics on this before, so I'm sorry for possibly repeating questions...

I was thinking of giving my boy a bath. He's 18mnths old but still very active and playful but I've noticed his fur seems a bit less than 'glossy' and thought I felt a couple of scabs on his back (in the works of getting some Revo just in case) so didn't want something that would irritate his skin so was wondering if a kitten brand shampoo would be good or just water alone would be enough? I don't know if he's ever been in water before (will have to ask Lynds that lol) so am not sure of what his reaction will be either.

I'm nervous just because I've never bathed a rat before. I never knew for the longest time most of them enjoy water and swimming and at the hubby's dad's place they're tub is seriously old and rusting and we won't even bath ourselves in it or the cats, etc. so I wasn't putting any ratties in it, but the tub here is nice and big and new and so I'd love to let him go for a swim, but was wondering how to go about it if he's never been in water before?

Thanks!

 

[Moon]

Unless they are seriously dirty, don't bathe. Unscented baby wipes are your friend!

 

[Asheka]

Unless they are seriously dirty, don't bathe. Unscented baby wipes are your friend!

I shall have to get some of those!

What about a swim though? I thought rats love water?

 

[Moon]

Some do... some rats find it very stressful. You could certainly make a shallow pool available to him and see how he feels about it. But if we are talking bath-baths, you don't want to bother unless he's properly filthy.

 

[Asheka]

Some do... some rats find it very stressful. You could certainly make a shallow pool available to him and see how he feels about it. But if we are talking bath-baths, you don't want to bother unless he's properly filthy.

haha gotcha. I may try and find something at Value Village he could climb on and put it in the tub to see if he goes for it or not, I've always wanted to let my ratties go swimming but if he doesn't like it we'll just leave that option out lol

 

[hopefloats]

I have a shallow box, it was actually a plastic one from a frozen dinner LOL I put water in it for the rats, they wont go near it unless there is peas in it. Out of all my rats, not one care about the water. Out of all my boys only 2 have ever had a bath, and that was when I first got them. They smelled horrible bad enough to stink up the whole room and your hands after touching them. I have even tried a cheap dish washing bucket from the dollar store, with water in it, still they want no part of it.

 

[lilspaz68]

Most rats are terrified of water, so I wouldn't bathe him. It could ruin the trust at this point. It sounds like he may have mites or lice.. that affects the coat condition as well. Part the fur on his rump and look for little cigarshaped bugs near the skin and in the hair, also look for tiny nits on the hair shafts.

If you don't find anything, feel through his coat backwards on his shoulders, neck, and especially under his chin for tiny scabs. That would most likely be mites.

 

[KatTheHippie]

http://youtu.be/7end071b3zA

That's an awesome video that helped me with my guys. Not all rats like water, I had a few who would only go near it if there were treats in the dish, but I also had a few who loved it. If your pipsqueaks like water, it also helps as a fun cool off in the summer months. :thumbup:

 

[Asheka]

Aw, that sucks but thanks for the info Shelagh! He's got some scabs on his lower back I can feel. He's way to active right now to check otherwise but once my roommate is awake I'll get her help in looking but might just et some Revo anyway for when his buddy gets here too.

Kat, the vid would be sweet to see...it's just a white square for me though
Oh, and I see you changed it to a link before I replied LOL

 

[lilspaz68]

Definitely get Revo...I dose everyone who comes through the door, much much easier than dealing with an infestation.

 

[Asheka]

Definitely get Revo...I dose everyone who comes through the door, much much easier than dealing with an infestation.

For sure! Hoping I can get it from my sister-in-law but will be calling our local vet Monday to see if I can get it without bringing him in, etc. as some won't let you just buy it...

 

[lilspaz68]

If you must order it from AUS, but it will take weeks to arrive.

 

[Asheka]

If you must order it from AUS, but it will take weeks to arrive.

Yea, Lynds gave me the site, just annoying you can't order less than 3 packs at once. I know my old vet my mom still uses will give it to me, so I'll go there if I have to since it's only an hour away.