Skin problems

[dianaskyc]

I have four girls who seem to have constant skin problems. They are always itching and have scabs and scratches. I've taken them to a vet multiple times with no results. And they've been tested for mites and lice. Which they don't have. My vet just wants to keep pumping them full of antibiotics which is not working. So I'm wondering if anyone here has any suggestions on what might be bothering their skin? I used fleece in their cage, so I'm wondering if it's the detergent I use to wash they're betting. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[rmn34]

Switch to a premium detergent that is unscented. No cheapo baragin brands either, which often have questionable ingredients. Then wash a second time with no detergent, just hot water. Obviously no fabric softener.

How is the humidity level in their room?

 

[dianaskyc]

I did switch their detergent to seventeenth generation. The humidity is pretty good. I have a humidity reader and a purifier set up in their room. Since I changed their detergent I've noticed a slight change in their skin. Hopefully over time it'll get better. They also got a nail trim yesterday which they loved!

 

[rmn34]

Ahh yes! Nail trims are essential. It lessens their ability to create scratch wounds and scabs on themselves. I use a small pair of regular human nail clippers. I notice that my babies' nails grow differently depending on the specific rat. Some are thin and needle-like while others are like raptor claws in shape, but less sharp. I try to trim once a week.

 

[dianaskyc]

Unfortunately my girls won't let me do their nails, so I have to take him to the vet to get it done. We go about once a month. I'd like to do it more often they're just stir too difficult.

 

[rmn34]

Have you tried doing it one at a time? Don't make a big deal out of it; let them think it's just any other day; maybe give them a treat, and do one toe before they realize what's going on.

Im sure you know this already- but if it's painful for them then you're cutting too deep. Mine have learned to tolerate it pretty well now that they know it is a benign experience. They always get treats after too, which I imagine makes them more docile.

I just always make sure to get the nail in the clipper, and apply pressure to make sure they can't move, before I clip. I've heard stories about people trying to be sneaky and cutting fast, then the rat moves his paw and you accidentally cut off a toe. So I always make sure I can apply enough pressure to get the nail in the jaws, to keep them from jerking away, and then make the final clip.

And don't bother with cat-style clippers. Those are garbage for rats. Way too big. With a standard small human fingernail clipper I can often get two nails at a time.