mites?

[MissKitty]

Baby girl seems just a little itchy. Not overwhelmingly - sometimes she seems to just be preening. I've been looking about and had a couple questions.

How do they even get mites/how can they be prevented?

Also:
is this the right thing for mites?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... =525367231

And is this what the vet would typically prescribe? http://www.1800petmeds.com/Revolution-prod10265.html

Any direction in accurate dosing of any product would be greatly appreciated. As stated in a previous thread - the little rattie is not actually my own. I am not in a position to take her to the vet though I have encouraged my parents (who've purchased her for my baby brother) that a vet is probably a good idea, even if not right now.

 

[Godmother]

Someone was asking about mite remedies today on the forum, but I forget where.

Revolution (the vet can apply it for you) is the remedy of choice, because it lasts in the rat's system for almost a month and will kill mites that hatch after a few days. Some people like Ivermectin, but you have to give a tiny amount (the size of a grain of rice), and the effect is not as long.

As I understand it, mites are almost endemic. They are species-specific, so no worries about getting them from a rat. Rats tend to get infested when their immune systems are weaker or when mites are more numerous.

One thing you might want to invest in is Debbie Ducommun's Rat Health Care Guide booklet. (might have to google to get the site; I don't have it handy) And you might want to browse through the Health section of the forum.

 

[SQ]

Rats get mites from the environment. They can not be prevented and there is no reliable test for them.
If you use commercial bedding, freezing it for at least 72 hours after purchase will kill anu parasites (mites, fleas, lice, etc) that may be in it.
If a rat is scratching a lot around the head and shoulders, it may have mites.
The most effective treatment for mites is revolution ... 4mg to 8 mg /Ib of rat (4 mg to 8 mg/454.4g) applied to the back of the neck.

Rats may also be scratching if the air is too dry or their diet is poor.
But the cause is usually mites if they ae scratching excessively around their head and shoulders.
When treated for mites, the cage needs to be cleaned well, everything washed and anything wooden needs to be frozen for at least 72 hours.

Rats get ill the same as other pets and when this happens they will die fast if they do not recieve good vet care.
So hopefully your parents will be prepared for lots of vet visits.

Rats are social so they need to live with at least one other same sex rat.
Hope the baby girl lives with another baby girl or else that you soon get her a same sex buddy.

Glad that you are taking an interest and looking out for the little baby girl.
Suggest you invest in a copy of the Rat Health Care book (see book section of http://www.ratfanclub.org). Just ignore the section on home euthanasia as it is inhumane.

Welcome!!!