Itching

[michael]

My grandson has a 3 month old solid white w/pink-red eyes (maybe
albino?)she is the only rat he has and appears to be in excellent health
except that she has begun to scratch frequently around her ears and
neck. No fur loss or skin abrasions yet but at the rate she is going we
expect it soon. We cannot find any signs of lice or other visible
parasites. He has tried hydrocortisone spray and it gives her some
relief for a few hours. She is bathed once a week and her cage is
spotless. We have tried cotton, paper pulp, and aspen wood shavings but
none have lessened the itching. Any suggestions would be greatly
appreciated as she was saved from being the main course for a python at
the pet shop when we happened in. Also any suggestions on proper bedding
materials would be appreciated as well as the importance of a cage mate.

Thanks in advance,
GrandPa Mike

[Andrea]

"michael" <"56[removethis]_mrg"@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:Y7z9l.1434$Ex....@bignews8.bellsouth.net...

Hi Grandpa Mike.
Here are links to a rat health site and a forum, which is packed full of
good advice about housing, bedding and health topics. You don't need to join
them to browse through, but do if you wish to post any questions of your
own,

http://www.fancy-rats.co.uk/home/

http://www.rathealth.co.uk/forum/index.php

I would advise you to get another rat, as rats are very social creatures and
human companionship is not enough to keep them happy. It could be mites that
are making her scratch. They are not visible, so treatment for that would be
best to rule it out. I think it could be stress related though, as you're
not seeing any scabs. A ratty friend is the antidote to that :)
Have a good read of the websites. There's everything you need to know on
there.
Good luck and happy rat keeping. Well done for saving her from being snake
fodder. :)

Andrea x

[Ratticus Rattus esq.]

Also lots of socializing and time with the rat...not in the cage and
in a safe area of the house. It's a fun thing to be the jungle gym for
the rats.
--
Keith

[Lynn "kitty"]

I bought my kids a plastic Doll House at a thrift store. It has stairs and a
balcony, a kitchen with an oven, etc. They would climb around and open the
doors. It was so wonderful.

Hugs,
Lynn

...Also lots of socializing and time with the rat...not in the cage and

[The Rat Lord]

"michael" <"56[removethis]_mrg"@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:Y7z9l.1434$Ex....@bignews8.bellsouth.net...

like human albinos, rat albinos are more prone to skin irritaion and rash.
the other responses in this thread offer good advice. if there are mites,
you will find small bumps/lumps on exposed skin. the ears are a good place
to look for this, since they normally are somewhat smooth. the tails can
also be a good indicator. g luck.

[SteveR]

michael wrote:
> My grandson has a 3 month old solid white w/pink-red eyes (maybe
> albino?)she is the only rat he has and appears to be in excellent health

> except that she has begun to scratch frequently...

While it could be a skin problem, my first guess would be that it's
simpyly normal grooming behavior. I worried about what seemed like
constant scratching when we first got our rats as well, but a trip to
the the vet confirmed that it's just the way they keep their fur clean
and fluffy.

Also, I'd like to chime in by reiterating what several have here said,
that a rat companion would make your pet a happier animal, and it's
little or no more work to care for two rats than for one.