[TatsuKitty]

I think I'm finally ready to get Pocky a new cage mate. the only issue I'm having is the quarantine. I don't have a seperate house to keep a rat in for two or three weeks that I would be able to drive to and see and bond every day. The closest would be my parents house an hour away and they have a dog that I would not trust around the new rat, and no free range spaces. There's not a breeder within any area near me so I'm going to a petco or petsmart to get another female that would be grown and about pocky's size. I've read tips for introduction and Pocky's pretty well bonded to me so I think i could keep a handle on it.

basically my question is: can I quarantine carefully in very separate rooms of the house? if not, could I possibly have the new rat tested at a vet for any symptoms and go right into introductions? or should I just see if my parents would be willing to quaratine and possibly take full responsibility for a new rat for three weeks?

 

[mimsy]

I've had to do quarantines in the house. Take a shower and change clothes if you've done out of cage time or spent a lot of time with the new rat. For just going in and doing food/water/pets-I kept a pair of slippers and clothes for just that room. Wash hands afterwards.

I used to use health guard from Revival animal when doing quarantines. Since it's very safe, I felt comfortable spraying things-like the bottoms of my shoes/slippers, floors and to use in the laundry.

There are things that last in the air for a long period of time, so there is always still a risk. But you can keep the risk fairly minimal.

 

[nanashi7]

There are two theories of quarantine. The first is absolutely safer, full separate air space. This can be impractical though.
The second is used with varying degrees of success; limited exposure. On this, you minimize exposure through airways and vents, clear your nose and change clothes between visits and obviously wash your hands -- it's based around the idea of exposing children to lots of places builds stronger immune systems. I use this only making sure to treat the rat for parasites with revolution and picking healthy rats.

 

[TatsuKitty]

ok. that'll definitely need to be something that I have to wait for a new cage for but that will hopefully be in the next few coming months. I want to get a critter nation to replace my rat manor. (doors are too dang tiny!) I think I might just see if my parents would watch the rat for me and work on socializing it a little when I can't go there myself. I really don't want to risk anything happening to Pocky!