Mites? (update - last post page 1)

So, I decided to try my ratties on Aspen tonight. I got called into work, so I told my biy friend to wait till tomorrow because I had to freeze the bedding ..anyways he thought he was doing me a favour and put the shavings in the freezer for only 30 min :emb: and then changed them ..so I am assuming that they will have lice now ..how soon can I tell if they have it? & if they have it, how soon should they be treated?

 

[xxchelle]

I doubt they have it, yes it *can* come in bedding but it doesn't always.

I've used aspen without freezing it numerous times.

If they DO get buggies, just treat them with revo and it'll all go away!

Edit: I didn't answer all your questions, sorry! I read too fast sometimes. You'll be able to tell pretty soon if you notice increased scratching - but you can treat with revo now if you're that concerned. I treat all rats that come into my rescue with revolution right away.

 

I doubt they have it, yes it *can* come in bedding but it doesn't always.

I've used aspen without freezing it numerous times.

If they DO get buggies, just treat them with revo and it'll all go away!

That makes me a bit relieved that you have used it without freezing and had no trouble. My first ratty got lice from Boxo once (that stuff is horrible for lice if you don't freeze it).
I was not sure if Aspen was the same way?
I'm just a really paranoid ratty mom
Thanks for the help

 

[jorats]

Back in the day when I used aspen, I never froze it and never had an issue.

 

[SQ]

They may or may not get buggies.
If you notice buggies (lice or fleas) or an increase in scratching (mites), then treat them with revolution.

 

I haven't seen any lice as of yet

 

[mamie]

I didn't know they made revolution for rats??? or do you just use the dog stuff and ...estimate ??? just curious as how this goes on

 

[jorats]

mamie, we use the ones for dogs and cats but we know the proper dosing. You can't just estimate.

 

[Moon]

I didn't know they made revolution for rats??? or do you just use the dog stuff and ...estimate ??? just curious as how this goes on

For just a few rats you use the puppy/kitten revolution. There are proper dosages for it.

 

[SQ]

Yes, you can not estimate the amount of revolution.
There is a proper dosage and it is based on the weight of each rat.
Easy to apply yourself if you have a digital postal scale for accurate weighing of ratties, otherwise you would need a vet to apply it.

 

So still lice free, but they are scratching a wee bit ..im thinking because it's new shavings?
But there is deffintly no bugs on them.

 

[SQ]

Keep an eye on the scratching as it could be mites, you can't see mites.
Usually an increase in scratching = mites.

 

Keep an eye on the scratching as it could be mites, you can't see mites.
Usually an increase in scratching = mites.

Is there any symptoms of mites? and how much scratching ? ..and would you use revolution?? I'm going away for a week on Thursday ..damit !

 

[SQ]

Scratching and scabs, esp around the head and shoulders.
I would treat all rats with revolution, freeze wooden items, clean cage, etc.

 

Thanks ..Ill keep a watch on them

 

[mamie]

I kinda figured they didn't make it for rats lol but ya I imagine that it would be by weight I know that's the way it is for dogs