My rat don’t want to do anything

[Coquet]

Hi ! It’s the first time I post here. So I’m sorry if I did an error.

But I have a problem right now with one of my rats, Luzgar. Since the death of his brother, the 30 of December , it’s like if he was dead too. He don’t do anything. He’s alive and all. He Breath normally . But I have to wash him myself, and feed him with soft cat food. But he don’t eat that munch. He don’t move either. I think that maybe the lost of his brother really hurted him. After all they where from the same batch of babies.

If it can help , he is 4 year old since the 31 December . So he’s not young all.

He’s living now in a small cage ,not really away from my other rat, Pocky , because I’m trying to see if Luzgar poop correctly but it’s soft poop.

If someone can help me, please . I need advice .

 

[SqueakingJellybean]

It sounds like he's depressed. Poor old man. If Luzgar and Pocky are friends, please don't separate them. Luzgar needs company.

Some rats don't last very long once their bonded friend dies. Give him lots of love. Cat food isn't really suitable for rats. Can you soak some of his regular food in water to soften it? What does he usually eat?

 

[Coquet]

He usually eat the Oxbow adult rat food. The one in triangle shape . I tried to soak it in water since a friend told me to do that but he just ignoring it . He even ignores all the things I’m proposing to him. It’s like if he was trying to starve himself and I don’t like it .

I will let Luzgar see Pocky under supervision. Since I know Pocky can be something… A little bit crazy.

 

[SqueakingJellybean]

Can you give him some mashed banana? Maybe if you mix a bit of softened Oxbow in with the mashed banana, he'll eat it.

It sounds like he's an old man who is grieving his brother. Give him as much love as he'll accept, try different soft foods and things he usually enjoys. Let him have supervised time with your other guy. Don't be surprised, though, if he passes soon.

 

[madinaholic]

Baby food or soy baby formula is great for feeding rats who are off their food. They especially love the formula, I've had rats who've refused everything but been very excited to eat the baby formula.

Is he drinking? It's important to keep him hydrated, too. Watery fruit and veggies can help, or the formula is a great option as you have to mix it with water. You can also try mixing a small amount of fruit juice with water to encourage him to drink (avoid citrus juices for male rats as it can be harmful to them).

Oatmeal, baby cereal, plain pasta and rice etc. are also good options. Anything soft is usually a hit. Try giving him little bits of whatever you're eating (as long as they don't have too much salt or fat) to see if he seems to have any preferences and you can build on that. Anything you can get him to eat right now is a win, and you can focus on his nutrition once he's feeling better. If you have any needle-free syringes, I find that encourages them to eat liquid foods.

Spend lots of time with him and try to socialise him with your other rat as long as they're not aggressive. He needs lots of extra love while he's mourning his brother, poor little guy.

 

[Coquet]

Unfortunately, Luzgar passed away this night. It’s really hurting me right now . I already miss him. He was my sweetest boy

 

[madinaholic]

Oh no, I'm so sorry for your loss. If he was 4 he lived a very long life indeed, you must have taken excellent care of him. It sounds like he knew it was his time and he's reunited with his brother now

 

[Coquet]

Oh no, I'm so sorry for your loss. If he was 4 he lived a very long life indeed, you must have taken excellent care of him. It sounds like he knew it was his time and he's reunited with his brother now

He was newly four year old. He’s my first and only rat to have reached this age.

I took great care of them just like they took care of me in a way.

Now the only rat I have now is Pocky. Fortunately he’s the kind of rat who’s better alone than with others ( Hence why I never let him with others rats whiteout supervision) so I don’t think I’ll need to get him friends.

 

[SqueakingJellybean]

Unfortunately, Luzgar passed away this night. It’s really hurting me right now . I already miss him. He was my sweetest boy

Aw no... I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[kko2046]

He was newly four year old. He’s my first and only rat to have reached this age.

I took great care of them just like they took care of me in a way.

Now the only rat I have now is Pocky. Fortunately he’s the kind of rat who’s better alone than with others ( Hence why I never let him with others rats whiteout supervision) so I don’t think I’ll need to get him friends.

Sorry for your loss, your boy had a nice long lift under your care.