I have a male rat that lives in a wire mesh cage. We use newpaper for bedding so it doesnt keep falling out of the cage and creating a huge mess, we have used this for a very long time with several animals and have never had a problem with it. Recently when I have been petting him I notice that underneath his fur it feels like he has little scabs all over him and I don't know what they are. I feed him a regular whole pelleted diet that the pet store used, and he always has fresh water. Is this something that could be serious or is this typical for rats? Answers appreciated!!!
2006-12-20 17:00:50 · 9 answers · asked by Samantha S 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I agree with the other posters it sounds like mites and a vet trip is needed, but I wanted to add that I would definetley reccomend NOT adding the vitamins. If he is getting the pellets he has a complete diet with all the vitamins he needs, and extra vitamins could upset the balance too many vitamins can be just as dangerous as not enough, and vitamins in the water change the taste of the water and in some cases make the animal not want to drink as much. Good Luck
2006-12-21 01:59:51 · answer #1 · answered by scarfiespudsushi 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
HI... All animals sometimes has skin problems.. you should take him to the vet.. he might suggestion a special shampoo, there are several that could help him.. he might even be allergic to the food.. that's just a suggestion.. if he has fleas.. they to can bring on that kind of problem.. EVEN if you don't see a flea.. some can be allergic to them.. Take the little guy to the vet or Pet Shop & ask them of course might need change of diet or antibodtics
2006-12-20 17:12:20 · answer #2 · answered by OSOQUTE 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He may not be getting enough vitamins. I get some liquid stuff to add to my rats water. See if that helps it clear up, if not a trip to the vet is in order.
2006-12-20 17:03:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also have pet rats, & the scabs are from mites.
Go to a vet & get him some Ivermectin & follow directions.
Rats do not get fleas !
2006-12-21 00:19:55 · answer #4 · answered by day by day 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
does it look like the rat is producing oils at the base of his tail? (they will clean themselves and spread the oil over the body)
maybe it is dry skin.?!?
Definitely use the liquid to add to the water.
2006-12-20 17:07:28 · answer #5 · answered by enyates2002 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A rat with scabs? That would be the plague. Keep away.
2006-12-20 17:08:54 · answer #6 · answered by SW 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
i had the same problem wiht mine once and it had mites under it skin, its just some thing they get a trip to the vet should fix it up , they either give drops or a neddle
2006-12-20 17:06:56 · answer #7 · answered by pen 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It may be fleas or an allergy to the bedding.
2006-12-20 17:25:04 · answer #8 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ahhh!!! the plague,
Let all your friends know!
They have a right to know!
2006-12-20 17:54:56 · answer #9 · answered by oldster 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋