are you supposed to give them baths? or is there a certain way your supposed to clean them or do they clean themselves well enough?
2006-08-19 12:32:31 · 9 answers · asked by kris 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
For the most part they don't require baths. I currently have two females, but have had several others in the past (I also have and breed mice). They're usually very good at cleaning themselves, and as long as you keep their cage clean, they should be fine most of the time.
I know some people give their rats a bath here and there, and it's not a bad thing if they're getting stinky. I had a sick rat once who had stopped cleaning herself almost all together, so I had to give her a bath or a partial bath a couple times a week for awhile. Other than that though, my rats don't seem to like water.
If you do decide to bath your rats (or future rats), make sure that you use warm, but not hot, water, and a shampoo made for small animals. Those aren't too hard to find these days, many pet stores carry at least one type. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
There's also instant shampoos (aka waterless baths) and a type of freshening cloth available. These might be better options if your rats are like mine and don't like water. Some rats do like it though, especially if they're very tame. Make sure it's shallow though, probably only up to their belly when standing. You also have to make sure to towel dry them right away, and very well. Also make sure they're away from drafts until they dry as they're very susceptible to the cold.
2006-08-19 19:15:15 · answer #1 · answered by Right On 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They can clean themselves well enough, but they love baths, especially in the summer. You can put them in a shallow container of water, not too cold and they will probably be quite happy about it. You don't need to use soap or anything, just let them play in the water until they get tired of it. I like to put frozen peas or other veggies in the bottom of the water and the rats will dive down to get them.
2006-08-19 20:09:37 · answer #2 · answered by jerrri 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i have 10 of them and i give them a bath every other month. i use a dry bath for rabbits. most of the time they do well keeping themselves clean. the only way they would stink really bad is if you didn't clean out the cage on a regular basis. keep their cage clean and they will not stink as much. they already have a smell but it is not what you would think it is.
2006-08-20 01:38:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES give them baths, but dont use to much water and check the temp. I recommend using dog shampoo to clean them with (thats what we use on our rats).
The first time we gave our rats a bath they didnt want to come out, they loved it! So bathing shouldnt be an issue like with other animals.
Hope this helps.
Me
2006-08-19 19:39:26 · answer #4 · answered by nwilshaw 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I breed rats for my snake, and I have two rats that never get eat their names are fat momma and fat daddy, They are my breeders. And they love pizza. they even do tricks for food, and I have put them in the tub if they stunk. But I dont think rats really need baths they can clean theirselves. But a bath will not hurt them.... But you should becare ful fat momma is afarid of water, she could bite me if i get to ruff with her..
2006-08-19 19:40:42 · answer #5 · answered by Mysti&Sugar 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Who cares. It's a rat for gods sake. Feed it to a snake and be done with it , then go out and get yourself a REAL pet.
2006-08-19 19:38:38 · answer #6 · answered by Jo 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I don't know .. I wouldn't get a rat ... that's the last thing I need
2006-08-19 19:40:19 · answer #7 · answered by Luay14 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I did once a week when i owned one (i miss her).
heres a website i found that might help you -->>http://ratguide.com/care/grooming/bathing.php
2006-08-19 19:45:17 · answer #8 · answered by Serenity Rose 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
how should i know
2006-08-19 19:53:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋