How best to quarantine?

[rat.charmer]

So - an empty cage is making its way to Toronto in hopes of being filled with Lucy the PEW who has been stuck at the THS for months.

I know you're supposed to quarantine in a separate air space but how does one do that exactly in a house or apartment? I know this seems like a dumb question but I don't have another house I could leave Lucy at for 3 weeks, nor can she go into a shed or garage. Is putting her in a different room with a door on a different floor in my house adequate?

 

[jorats]

Although different air space is ideal, it's seldom available to most of us. Putting Lucy in a different room should work. You should also make sure you wash your hands and change clothes before interacting with your rats.
You're right, rats should never be put in a garage or a shed, especially in Sudbury, we are still getting very cold temperatures, not to mention all the small critters running about.

 

[rat.charmer]

Thanks Jo!

I can't wait til all this stupid snow melts, and they fill up all the potholes on the roads (HA!) and I can finally go outside without having to put on 14 layers.

Also, on that note, is it safe for rats to be outside but in their cage? I have a deck with some shade and when it gets warmer and I sit out there to read, I like to have their cage with me. I've seen people with little ratty playpens built into their yards and it seems like fun but I don't know how safe it is?

 

[jorats]

I've brought my rats outside in the past. They loved it.
Just be careful it's not in the midday sun or heat and no winds either.

 

[rat.charmer]

Excellent! They are going to be so spoiled this summer and I can't wait to get pictures of them romping in the grass and whatnot.

 

[Dahlas]

shoes are a good way of carrying germs...so you should leave the shoes, slippers, or socks you wear around the room in the room and change into different ones when you step out.......If you are holding the rattie you should wear a shirt that is also left in the room....I would use a smock and just leave it hang inside the room....slip it off before I left the room....

 

[Dahlas]

Oh and in the past I have always taken my rats outside with me.....They shouldn't of course be left unattended but I think they really enjoy the sunlight and fresh air.......