Rat lovers! Forum question!

[VikingPrincess]

Oh and to add,tumors are supposedly really common in females. I only ever had two girls with tumors! Even my oldies didn't get them. I believe their diet (which I make similar to Suebee's and also mix with lab blocks, veggies, grains...etc) plays a huge part in this. Because I have been feeding this for years with no problems, instead they seem healthier.

[Pitluvs]

Hey Princess, mind sharing your mix with me? lol Right now we feed lab bloacks (harlan and living world) but I'd like to make a mix they can have every now and then.

[LyzzaRyzz]

Yeah, I'd really like the recipe too! I've been trying to make one, but a proven redipe is ever better!

[LionCalie]

One of my male rats has a big abscess on the side of his foot. It's all gross looking and has a big scab. He got bit badly a few months ago right where the abscess has formed. He got vet treatment for that, but it was obviously not enough to prevent it.

I'm making a vet appointment for him tomorrow. Not comfortable dealing with it myself.

[Bombalurina]

Poor Hyde has bumblefoot because he is a fatty. It looks bad, like a big red abcess. :( I hope it goes well at the vet, LionCalie!

+1 on the recipe. I'm ordering some new rat blocks, but it's nice to supplement it with a mix now and again. :)

[LionCalie]

Aww, poor Hyde indeed. I hope he heals up quickly.

Last night my boys abscess burst, now it is just a nasty hole. I'm debating about if I should still take him to the vet or treat it myself now that the hard part is over. I was reading what I should do and it looks like I will need to flush it 2-3 times a day with diluted Betadine.

[TonyK]

I would like to know what kind of cages everyone is using. I've had pet rats but always kept them in aquariums. I always hated that as a home but they were always well cared for.

[Bombalurina]

Yeah, aquariums aren't great because of the lack of ventilation. I have a Ferplast Furet Tower. http://www.petcentreonline.co.uk/eco...roduct~989.htm I don't think they are readily available in the USA, though. I had to order mine from Europe.

LionCalie: that sounds yucky. :( I hope your boy is ok!