Vaporizer, argh!!!

[gramma2jaakk]

Polly has been to the vet for a respiratory problem, got meds and is LOTS better. This has been going on for 2 weeks now. The vet also said to put a vaporizer in the room, which is good for all the girls AND us, so we've been doing that. In fact, the poor machine has been used so much that it is getting worn out and needs to be replaced.

Off to the drug store I go, which closes at 10pm and the time was 945pm. I find the vaporizer I want, make my purchase, head home, open the box to set it up and find I can't use it. It smells like Vicks! A USED vaporizer! Someone had bought it, put Vicks INSIDE the reservoir instead of the cup, then returned it. By now the drug store is closed so I have to use either the machine that is making noises like it is going to blow up or blow a fuse, or not run one at all tonight.

We won't be using a machine tonight. I don't want to burn the house down, but I also don't want to use the one that smells like mentholatum. And I get to go back to the drug store tomorrow morning and get a trade. I think the box should have been labeled that it was used. I am irked now! Thanks for letting me sound off.

 

[jorats]

There's nothing like spending your hard earn money and get crap in return.

Make sure you keep an eye on your walls when using vaporizers. I have noticed that it mold starts to grow on walls when it's on a lot.

 

[Maple]

They also damage furniture.

 

[gramma2jaakk]

We are definitely keeping an eye on our mold situation here. We live in the South, where mold seems to LOVE growing in the bathrooms and anywhere else there is moisture.

As far as the furniture, there isn't any in the room where the girls cage is, not directly. They are in the "formal" dining room with a HUGE opening to the living room, but the furniture in there is so old, like 13 years. We have been talking lately about getting new couch and love seat, but funds to allow new furniture are not here yet. Not since the girls all seem to need vet appointments for different reasons each month PLUS with saving for an Australian trip (daughter getting married there) AND paying off Neal's surgery. If it wasn't for all THAT... we would be getting new. Oh well, ONE of these days.

 

[Jems71]

Not that I would want a used vaporizor that was suposed to be new...but would the vicks in the vaporizor hurt the rats?
In the winter when we turn the electric heat on I put a half cup of water in my kids room and add a few drops of peppermint and eucalyptus oil in in it, this helps to keep the air from getting too dry, smells nice and keeps air ways open. I have put this in a vaporizor too, but I don't ever really need a vaporizor as the humidity in our house is generally pretty high and we have to be on mold watch all the time.

Of course the rats love the smell so we have to put the cup up out of reach when they are out playing.

 

[gramma2jaakk]

I only need to give them warm/steamed air vapors, I don't want to give them mentholatum odors. And I've HEARD that it really isn't that good for them. I'm not taking any chances with my girlies lungs, but if anyone else knows better, please let me know!

Anyway, this morning I took the vaporizer back to the drug store, told them I thought it was a used-and-returned item and the sales clerk didn't even ask what else was wrong with it. I did a good trade for it, PLUS got 2 fleece blanket throws for $1.99 each. These are the BIG throws too, big enough to cover me while laying on the couch so will be nice to make into hammocks, shelf pads, other things for the girls. They love their fleece!

 

[Jems71]

Until I can do more research and or someone with more info/experience can comment I am not going to put the eucalyptus and peppermint oil into the cup for now...(helps daughter with winter time bronchitis and congestion but she is not ill at this time so will hold off until more info)
I did read that peppermint is suposed to be a rodent repellant...I guess my girls don't know this, as they will go looking for the cup and try to get into it! this is why I have to put it out of reach while they are out playing.
I have not read anything bad about vicks vapors and breathing but is toxic for rats to eat...somethings I have read recommend opening a bottle of vicks and set near the cage, when a rat is congested until you can get to Vet...
ANYONE?

 

[gramma2jaakk]

I did read that peppermint is suposed to be a rodent repellant...I guess my girls don't know this, as they will go looking for the cup and try to get into it! this is why I have to put it out of reach while they are out playing.

Really? Hmmm. My girls all seem to be pretty interested in my mouth when I'm chewing gum, and I've heard they also like to eat candy canes which are also peppermint. Now I'm curious! :lol:

 

[Jems71]

Maybe they didn't get the memo?

 

[gramma2jaakk]

My girls wouldn't hold still LONG enough to read a memo.

 

[Marylou]

Couldn't you put the rat in a small cage, then tent the cage, at one end put the tent over a kettle of water, I did this for puppies and it works, it keeps from having to vaporize the entire house, and it is more effective. Just monitor the temp and make sure it doesn't get too warm. The moist air is great for them. We did this 4 x's a day