[Korra]

My rat Korra seems a little bit funky. Yesterday I switched out their water bottle with a larger one that was spring loaded. I could hear them messing with it for a few hours but when I looked after work there didn't seem to be any less water. I touched the ball and it seemed dry. So I decided their tongues weren't strong enough for it. I switched them back to the old bottle and they only had the new bottle for about 6 to 7 hours all together, if that. Yue is just fine and is drinking lots, but Korra doesn't seem as interested. I haven't actually seen her drink from the old bottle since yesterday and her skin is a bit loose. But I have slightly wetted her with warm water so she would lick it off, given her some yogurt, and she had a brothy mix of chicken and rice with me last night. My question is, what else can I do?
I thought about subbing fluids as I have done it for a friends gerbil in the past, but I am a tad nervous.
Would syringing water in her mouth help?
Should I put a bowl of water in her cage as well?
Thanks

 

[BigBen]

If you gently pull on her skin, does it stay stretched out, or does it return to normal pretty quickly? If the latter, then she is properly hydrated, and you can stop worrying.

If she is still dehydrated, you could also try giving her grapes, apple, cucumber, melon, and other juicy treats that she might be eager to eat.

 

[Korra]

She is dehydrated. I did the skin and it is loose and slowly slides back into place. She is looking much better now after work though. Still a tad off but much better. I put water down gatorade in one of her bottles and water in the other. She acts blah in the cage but when I bring food around or let her out she goes banana sandwich.

 

[1a1a]

Another hydrating treat, carrot. Good luck with it.

 

[Kinsey]

Her body is probably just trying to recover, but as long as she's active about food then she should be just fine. I'd suggest applesauce as well. :3

 

[Korra]

Alright, I will get her some applesauce today. She is acting much better even though her skin is still a bit loose. It slides back into place much quicker than before now though. I think I have a second problem however, I think I have rats that are addicted to gatorade I heard one of them drinking last night for almost 5 minutes! Good thing I watered it down.