[Leo&Jasper]

Hi guys so I’m kind of in a sticky situation. I started out with 2 rats and one of them died a month ago from old age I’m assuming, (he was 2 & the vet couldn’t find anything wrong) but I still have my other male rat. I’m not particularly interested in getting anymore rats because losing my other one crushed me and it will be a never ending cycle since they should always have a partner. But I’m worried about him being lonely so I really want him to have some buddies, however at the moment he has mites and I’m treating him for it but it’s a 3 month long treatment so my question is should I go ahead and get him friends now even though he has mites? Or should I try to wait it out? I’m not sure if he will last 3 months all alone especially since he’s already over 2 years and 1 month old

 

[Cheesefather]

Hi guys so I’m kind of in a sticky situation. I started out with 2 rats and one of them died a month ago from old age I’m assuming, (he was 2 & the vet couldn’t find anything wrong) but I still have my other male rat. I’m not particularly interested in getting anymore rats because losing my other one crushed me and it will be a never ending cycle since they should always have a partner. But I’m worried about him being lonely so I really want him to have some buddies, however at the moment he has mites and I’m treating him for it but it’s a 3 month long treatment so my question is should I go ahead and get him friends now even though he has mites? Or should I try to wait it out? I’m not sure if he will last 3 months all alone especially since he’s already over 2 years and 1 month old

Absolutely get him a new friend, he can't be alone for four months. If you aren't ready to get him a new friend, it would be best to rehome him. It could be too stressful at that age however, so euthanasia is always an option. Whatever you choose, make sure he isn't alone! Also, what mite treatment are you doing?

 

[Clueeee]

If you have a breeder who's willing, you could also foster a buck or 2 until your rat passes, but most won't let you unless they know you decently well due to disease/contamination concerns 😭 best of luck though!

 

[Leo&Jasper]

Thank you sm for your advice, I can’t handle giving him away or putting him to sleep so I’m definitely going to get him some friends very very soon! And I’m not sure what the brand is I just went to my vet and they gave me 3 tubes, they already filled them up and told me to apply the whole tube on the back of his neck once a month for three months.

 

[Leo&Jasper]

Thank you sm for your advice, I can’t handle giving him away or putting him to sleep so I’m definitely going to get him some friends very very soon! And I’m not sure what the brand is I just went to my vet and they gave me 3 tubes, they already filled them up and told me to apply the whole tube on the back of his neck once a month for three months.

Absolutely get him a new friend, he can't be alone for four months. If you aren't ready to get him a new friend, it would be best to rehome him. It could be too stressful at that age however, so euthanasia is always an option. Whatever you choose, make sure he isn't alone! Also, what mite treatment are you doing?

 

[Leo&Jasper]

I actually looked into that but unfortunately nobody was really interested in letting me do that 😕🙁 thank you for commenting though!❤

If you have a breeder who's willing, you could also foster a buck or 2 until your rat passes, but most won't let you unless they know you decently well due to disease/contamination concerns 😭 best of luck though!

 

[Clueeee]

I actually looked into that but unfortunately nobody was really interested in letting me do that 😕🙁 thank you for commenting though!❤

You could also ask a rescue about fostering but I'm not very sure about the... 'ethics', almost? of doing that and you'd need to be prepared for rescues

 

[LT_2022]

And I’m not sure what the brand is I just went to my vet and they gave me 3 tubes, they already filled them up and told me to apply the whole tube on the back of his neck once a month for three months.

You can call the vet and ask Always question the vet and ask for clarification if you're not sure what medicine is prescribed, side effects, etc. Be an informed pet owner and involved in your pet's care

Revolution is commonly used for mites and other parasites in rats but only a teeny dose is needed, not the entire tube which is a cat or dog sized dose.

You could also ask a rescue about fostering but I'm not very sure about the... 'ethics', almost? of doing that and you'd need to be prepared for rescues

I doubt a recue would let fosters go to a home where a resident rat currently has mites or other easily transmissible parasite or disease.

 

[RatPappy]

Oh wow... considering your Rat is over two years old I would get a mite treatment from your vet and spend lots, and I mean LOTS of time with him. That's all. Sleep with him on the couch, or bed😉. I've had single, older Rats who lost their brothers and have grown extraordinarily close to some very reserved spirits. Please, please don't euthanize him, just love him. You obviously love your Rat and vice versa... When the time comes sterilize the cage and get a new crew🐀😛