Not sure if this is in the correct section?! But I am desperate in some help and advice! I run a wildlife rescue in UK, Kent... Mainly hedgehogs but today a family friend came to me with a young (around 1 week, weighing 11g but looks quite underweight) domestic rat she'd found in an alley way?! He had some dried blood around his nose and mouth, I'm not sure if these are cuts or from his nose as I know rats can suffer with upper respiratory problems? He is also 'clicking' slightly when breathing occasionally after research I suspect he has pneumonia?? I have medication here for the various wildlife injuries/illnesses but what antibiotics are safe for young rats and what are the dosages?
I'm not experienced with rats at all but obviously am used to hand rearing animals (hoglets and birds mainly), so knew to get him in to the warmth, toilet him and get some fluids into him.. I have fed him rehydration fluids (critical care) and esbilac (what we use for hoglets) about 1ml? he's taking it well and I have been researching as much as I can! But still have questions.. Should he be on 2 hourly feeds? What is normal behaviour? How many ml should he be drinking each feed?
Sorry for rambling so much! I really want to give this little one the best chance at surviving and know that forums are usually the best place to come... ANY help will be appreciated
I'm not experienced with rats at all but obviously am used to hand rearing animals (hoglets and birds mainly), so knew to get him in to the warmth, toilet him and get some fluids into him.. I have fed him rehydration fluids (critical care) and esbilac (what we use for hoglets) about 1ml? he's taking it well and I have been researching as much as I can! But still have questions.. Should he be on 2 hourly feeds? What is normal behaviour? How many ml should he be drinking each feed?
Sorry for rambling so much! I really want to give this little one the best chance at surviving and know that forums are usually the best place to come... ANY help will be appreciated
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