[simbakitten]

ok well ive had my rats for 5 days, and thier starting to get used to me now. but the STINK! I really wanna give them a bath, but i dont want to make them hate my. should i just leave it?

 

[AlexzRose]

I don't have an answer but if it's ok, I wanted to add another question.

How old does a rat have to be before you guys reccommend giving them a bath. Is 5 wks too young?

 

[simbakitten]

ya mine are 5-7 weeks..so lets say 6...lol

 

[Kimmiekins]

There are different schools of thought when it comes to rats and baths, but the one downside to giving a young rat a bath is how jumpy they can be. If you were to give them a bath, be VERY careful... Young rat [jumpy] + shampoo [may] = disaster. Just keeping a hold of young rats when they're dry is often tough enough.

I've given young rats a bath when absolutely necessary (surrendered in filthy cages), but at young ages, I always try wiping them down with a baby wipe or a **** cloth.

I wonder why they smell, though...?

 

[jellybeanqueen]

yeah, why do they smell?
my girls don't smell..it's their pee that smells. xD

 

[A1APassion]

I have to agree with the suggestion of using a baby wipe versus a full bath.

Babies are wiggly, squirmy, jumpers... if you are washing them over a sink or such the fall could harm them.

Try the baby wipe or a damp wash cloth while sitting on the floor if you really feel they need some freshening up.

As for the smell, what type of bedding are you using?
What are you feeding them?

These two things have a lot to do with odor & the control of odor.

As for the fabric hammocks, shelf liners or blankets you may have in their cage... try to change those out frequently. Anything fabric in the cage will hold the smell of urine & rats really seem to enjoy marinating in their own "perfume".

YUCK!!!

I've made 3 sets of fabric cage accessories for each cage I have. I switch them out every other day or so, wash & hang to dry.

 

[ration1802]

Personally, I would avoid the stress just yet, after only just getting them. I'd try the babywipe suggestion maybe (I've never tried it myself, but intend on trying it!)

I don't understand why they smell so much. Could it just be a combination of their bedding/diet plus you getting used to the lovely eau de rat? I don't know.