My rat has these little fly like bugs on him. I've washed alot off. What are they? What should I do? I've read that rats don't cary fleas..true?
2007-11-30 02:34:53 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Rodents
This is A LAB RAT
2007-11-30 02:45:37 · update #1
Untrue. Rats can have fleas. They are responsible for the Bubonic plague.
2007-11-30 02:38:18 · answer #1 · answered by sleepingliv 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Rat fleas are species specific, and can in fact infest a whole colony of rats. You must treat your rat immediately as flea infestations can lead to iron deficiency and ultimately disease or death..
Rats were not responsible for the plague, nor were mites- It was the rat flea that the rats carried on them.
Treating your rat will involve breaking the life cycle of the flea.
Buy a kitten formula flea shampoo, and bath your rat according to the directions on the bottle.
Clean the cage and discard anything material that may harbor eggs.
Finally vacuum the cage completely and wash with 10 parts water to one part bleach-rinse the cage.
The cage will need to be well cleaned weekly. Don't add any new toys until you are certain the flea infestation has been eradicated.
I have had good results using Control products found in most supermarkets.
Hint: Put a flea collar in your vacuum before vacuuming the cage- this will kill any fleas that are sucked up in the process, and prevent them from re-infesting your pets.
Brewers yeast and garlic are natural flea repelents. My rats love cat treats wich contain brewers yeast.
2007-11-30 11:05:28 · answer #2 · answered by Teej 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have had rats since 03 and in that time i've had about 50 -60 and my rats have mites too, by the way people there not fleas, they are mites and you will probably have to go to have the rat checked and they will give you meds to mix into the water or just something you can give them in treats or something. Also some people like/love rats. The people who hate them have problems or just never held them.
By the way my moms first rat was a lab rat.
And before u use store bought bedding put it in the freezer, they always have the little mites in them (you cant see).
My mom uses towles, for bedding and just washes them when she cleans the cage.
If need anymore answers feel free to e-mail me!
2007-11-30 10:47:19 · answer #3 · answered by lil_breezy.x15x 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is probably mites, lice, or fleas. You can treat for all three at home. You need to buy Revolution for Puppies/Kitties. I bought mine at this site:
https://www.petsuppliesnet.com
Place one small drop on the skin between his ears, let it absorb for a couple of minutes (distract him from grooming) and he is done. You should clean the entire cage really well before putting him back into it. Also, you might want to freeze his food and bedding before putting it into the cage. Mites can come from there too. The mites & lice have a 3 week life cycle and since Revolution stays inside a rat's system for 30 days you are covered.
You can also get Revolution from your vet. If you go to the vet, they may try to give him Ivermectin injections. They can be expensive, ineffective and can cause an abscess at the injection site. Try to get your vet to use Revolution instead. Good luck!
2007-11-30 16:28:29 · answer #4 · answered by frenchpeas 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh my Lord, course they do! Rats carrying fleas were the cause of the Great Plague!!
But it could also be mites. See a vet.
Chalice
2007-11-30 16:56:52 · answer #5 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best thing is get him/her so rodent flea spot on i use it 4 my rat n it works its only about £1-£3 cant remember couse i buy it wiv my shopping.but the best thing is DONT bath your rat its a bit like cats n dogs flea spot on.when it gets wet it gets dilute so it dont work as good.where u get it from is asda its cheap but it works.couse my rat got a lump on his tummy thats how i know he had flea. or jst take ur rat 2 the vets but it will cost u loadz just 4 them 2 say its flea's.
i hope thats sum help
zoe
2007-11-30 11:14:42 · answer #6 · answered by zmc882002 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I dont know what they are , but I had the same problem once . I just washed my little freak and cleaned his cage really good with bleach , let it dry and put cedar in his cage . And since then I always change the cage once a week . Problem solved for me . I also keep my rat on my back porch , he loves being out side
2007-11-30 10:40:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
sorry, but sound's like fleas to me ,if u washed some off and he stll has them yup it's fleas,fleas can be dormaint so they may be in your carpet along baseboards.
2007-11-30 10:38:50 · answer #8 · answered by que a 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it could be mites. they have a spray you could put on it but you'll probably have to take it to a vet.
2007-11-30 10:42:25 · answer #9 · answered by brokenwife 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
if i had a rat, the last thing i would be worried about are the bugs on him. eewww Gross. maybe get rid of the RAT
2007-11-30 10:41:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 6⤋