sprite71
Well-Known Member
Hello All
I have just rescued a Mom and Dad rattie as well as thier 8, one week old babies. I HAD to change the cage they came in as it was covered in 3 inches ( yes the depth of the bottom of the cage) of very old and urine and feces covered shavings. The mom,dad and babies were in an old coffee can in the cage as a nest of sorts and yet again filled with the same stuff. Now I am concerned for thier health, what should I look for? They look very good considering what they lived in, the babies look to be about a week along and look in good health too. Now I want to bath mom and dad but am afraid that 1, mom may attack dad if he smells different, 2, Mom may choose to not go near her babies,. The babies smell horrible like the parents so what can I do for them?
I was told by the owner they had fed them squirrel feed, so I have given them clean water, and a small bowl of kitten food. the wet kind for now. I do have rat food too. they dont look thin by any means but I am concerned they havent received enough nutrients. I was not prepared for this kind of rescue but dont regret it either..
I have posted a pic here of Dad and the babies. Mom looks like Dad. Are they agoutis?. Dad is great and has sat on my shoulder, bruxing was very quick and quiet, Mom .. oh my gravey she tried to play superwoman and run but we caught her quickly. Shes very very timid. I know in time she will come to love the lovins we have here
Any help is welcome and appreciated.....
Thanks in advance.
Dad is bigger than he looks
I have just rescued a Mom and Dad rattie as well as thier 8, one week old babies. I HAD to change the cage they came in as it was covered in 3 inches ( yes the depth of the bottom of the cage) of very old and urine and feces covered shavings. The mom,dad and babies were in an old coffee can in the cage as a nest of sorts and yet again filled with the same stuff. Now I am concerned for thier health, what should I look for? They look very good considering what they lived in, the babies look to be about a week along and look in good health too. Now I want to bath mom and dad but am afraid that 1, mom may attack dad if he smells different, 2, Mom may choose to not go near her babies,. The babies smell horrible like the parents so what can I do for them?
I was told by the owner they had fed them squirrel feed, so I have given them clean water, and a small bowl of kitten food. the wet kind for now. I do have rat food too. they dont look thin by any means but I am concerned they havent received enough nutrients. I was not prepared for this kind of rescue but dont regret it either..
I have posted a pic here of Dad and the babies. Mom looks like Dad. Are they agoutis?. Dad is great and has sat on my shoulder, bruxing was very quick and quiet, Mom .. oh my gravey she tried to play superwoman and run but we caught her quickly. Shes very very timid. I know in time she will come to love the lovins we have here
Any help is welcome and appreciated.....
Thanks in advance.
Dad is bigger than he looks