Rat lice and mites... prevention...

[Camp_Man_Do]

I am considering a pet rat and have read that they are susceptible to
pests such as lice and mites. How much of a problem is this? How do you
rid a rat of such a problem? What can you do to prevent mites and lice
in the first place?

Thanks,
Greg

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[Evelyn Woolston]

My rats have never had lice but many have had mites at some time although
some people never get them with their rats. I don't know about rats being
especially susceptible. Many small rodents suffer from them.

My vet tells me that they are born with them but that they are not
necessarily bothered by them unless eg they are under the weather or some
change occurs to them, then they will get the usual symptoms of tiny scabs
(you can feel, rather than see them, except on white rats where they will
appear like tiny red spots at the base of the fur) and constantly
scratching.

The cure is a small injection, usually with a follow up a week later. I
have heard of some people using the cattle treatment Invemectin but I've
never had that offered to me here in the UK. If you shop around for your
vet, they should be able to tell you how much they would normally charge,
you shouldn't have to pay too much for this.

Prevention, if the vet is correct, is surely impossible but on my rabbit and
guinea-pig (not living together), an attack of mites only appeared in both
when I provided them with hay for bedding.

I imagine that other preventions are cage hygene and the quarentining of new
arrivals to the group.

Love
Evelyn
"Camp_Man_Do" <camp_...@my-deja.com> wrote in message
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[Sandra]

Hi Greg,

My first advice to you would be to get two rats (of the same sex) as they
are highly social animals and need company of their own kind for when you
are not around.

As for the lice and mites, if you buy your rats from a reputable breeder you
shouldn't at least start out with them. Apart from other infected rats, the
most common source of infestation is from infected bedding (hay, etc.) but
even then I don't think it is *that* common.

If you are unlucky enough to have an infestation, treatment is usually
simple and effective....a lot of people in here recommend hanging a "Vapona"
strip near to the cage (out of rattie reach of course) and that apparently
is very successful. A vet would probably give an injection or prescribe a
"dip" to treat them.

I have been keeping rats for three years and have never had any problems
with lice or mites, so I don't think it should be high on the list of
reasons not to have rats. :-)

Hope this helps,
Sandra.
<:3 )~~~

Camp_Man_Do wrote in message <8292it$hcn$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>...

[Sarah H]

Hi Greg
I am actually going through the mite problem with my two boys at the moment
but not to worry. It's not a big problem I think they might have picked it
up from the bedding as my local pet shop has just changed it supplier. I
live in the u.k and have treated my guys at home with not a lot of bother.
Bob Martin have a mite spray for small animals 150ml costs £3.45 and lasts
for ages. It comes in spray form but I always find it best to apply with a
toothbrush, the guys get a groom at the same time. After 4 applications
Louies hair has grown back the small scabs have gone and the excessive
scratching has dissapeared. They also make a Insecticidal shampoo for small
animals which is just as good ( although you have to be carefull about their
eyes ) Let me asure you that mites as far as rats are concerned need not
be e big problem
Hope this helps
Merry christmas
Aer...@sylvia4.freeserve.co.uk
feel free to email me if you want more info.

[Evelyn]

That is really good news Sarah. I will look out for that product. Often
Pet shop products don't work very well but this one has been 'test driven'..
Love
Evelyn
"Sarah H" <Aer...@sylvia4.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message
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