[TrailRat2000]

My girls are getting on a bit and I would like to add a little pick me up to their water or feed.
They seem to sleep an awful lot but I think that's because they haven't had any toys to play with for a while since they broke the last lot. Also recently I've had to put one of the girls to sleep because she developed massive tumours and I think the other two are missing her.
They also seem to me a little underweight despite getting plenty to eat.

Any suggestions? Preferably a UK supplier please.

Many Thanks

 

[twitch]

uncooked peeled potatoes or other uncooked stachy foods like pasta will add in the weight. a good nutrient drink like boost or ensure will help with a vitimins boost. warmed oatmeal or baby foods are another favorite for an ailing rat that may be having trouble getting enough to eat or chewing. on that note check their teeth to make sure they aren't getting too long either as some older rats have problems keeping them worn down. carnberries are also good for helping prevent urinary tract infections and something else but i can't remember if this was the one that is suspected to help prevent mamorary tumors or respiratory flare-ups.... mind you either one has not yet been confirmed but there is a possbile link. i'm not sure if they've found any harder evidance with it yet or not.

 

[tungstenrat]

Even though I'm still very much a newbie when it comes to taking care of my ratties, I did take the prudent measure of doing some research before feeding them anything ... well, that is before I got my ratties. I didn't let them starve first!

One supplement they really enjoy is Missing Link powder. I mix it in sweet potato baby food. I don't use more than 1 tsp in the mix so my 4 furry owners don't end up getting too much of it. Feeding them one at a time with a spoon ensures they get a fairly even amount - nobody hogs all the good stuff. Share! The powder itself seems to have everything in it to provide joint care, fur shine and overall wellbeing. As this is a supplement I don't use it in place of their regular food.

I'm not sure how nutritive baby food is for ratties and that's why I mix Missing Link in there. They still get their regular berries, veggies, occasional nut/oatmeal mix and cooked noodles. I try and vary as much as I can. If I like it and it's not junk food I'm sure my babies appreciate it as a treat.

Not sure if this post helps but I hope someone finds it useful.