Mold/respiratory issues

[Coco1998]

Hi!
I recently moved house and now have 3 males rats.
I noticed a small amount of mold in the corner of my room which I didn't think would have a huge effect on my rats as long as it stayed there and didn't grow.
After a few months I noticed one of my boys started having an odd chatter... He then started sneezing and I knew it was a respiratory issues so put him on antibiotics. He kept having them for around 2 weeks and it stopped then slowly came back.
I have now found that one of my other males has it as well! I have put him on the antibiotics so hopefully it will help them both.
I do use fleece and am trying to find a suitable tray to use, as I have a critter nation so loose bedding at the moment isn't an option, to change over so it doesn't hold their urine so much.
I try to vent my room as much as possible so if anyone has any tips or tricks then I'll be very grateful!

Many thanks,

Chloe x

 

[SQ]

Is it possible to move the rats to another part of the home and treat the mold?

 

[Coco1998]

Quote possibly... But the other place they could go is a conservatory and I'm worried about them getting cold....
But I could get a critter nation cover and I suppose that would keep them warm?

 

[Dena]

Or maybe an air purifier that has a permanent, washable heppa filter, and a disposable filter? Is there a way to put plastic over the mold, and tape it off to seal it?

 

[Coco1998]

Or maybe an air purifier that has a permanent, washable heppa filter, and a disposable filter? Is there a way to put plastic over the mold, and tape it off to seal it?

I could try, do you think that's what's causing them to have these respiratory issues so often??

 

[SQ]

Mold may or may not be a contributing factor, but it is unhealthy
I was thinking that it might only take a day to treat the mold - perhaps it is a larger job then that
and then was assuming the air quality would be ok the next day. Perhaps something to consider once the weather improves

As mentioned above, an air purifier with a permanent heap filter and a replaceable carbon filter can improve air quality (do not get an ionizer)

 

[Dena]

You could try removing the rats, spraying equal parts bleach and water on the mold spot, and putting a fan on it to dry it. Or cut out the place with mold and redo it. Either way, no rats in the area, and wait until it's warmer. Mold can harm you too.

 

[Lise Patterson]

Even if visible mold is confined to one corner, mold spores can travel some distance. A HEPA-filtered air purifier (of appropriate size for your room) should remove most spores. You might also check the ambient humidity in that room; if it is consistently high (say above 60%) you might consider using a dehumidifier, both for the rats' and your own sake.

 

[Coco1998]

Even if visible mold is confined to one corner, mold spores can travel some distance. A HEPA-filtered air purifier (of appropriate size for your room) should remove most spores. You might also check the ambient humidity in that room; if it is consistently high (say above 60%) you might consider using a dehumidifier, both for the rats' and your own sake.

Would you be able to send me a Amazon link etc for one of those as I don't know a lot about them....
Thank you for all the help though!

 

[SQ]

I have two Honeywell hepa air purifiers with replaceable carbon filters. Here are the two I have with description so it gives info you may find informative. They both seem to work well but you should be aware that they are not quiet - noise level may be something you want to consider in addition to how well the air purifier will work, room size and expense of replacement of carbon filters. https://www.honeywellstore.com/stor...rm-fighting-allergen-reducer-air-purifier.htm and https://www.honeywellstore.com/stor...ent-true-hepa-air-purifier-germ-reduction.htm

The important thing is to get one that is large enough for the room you will be using it in - information on the machine should tell you the max size room it can handle ……. you might check out local stores as well because sometimes things are much more expensive on amazon

and kill the mold as soon as possible ….. I do not know a lot about it but mold may just be on the surface or go deep within the wall