Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I purchased a 1.1 group of rats a few days ago and ive been noticing them scratching and biting at their fur a whole lot and was wondering if anyone had experience with this and found a safe solution. I heard no pest strips were good but after doing a little research didnt think it was a good idea because im also breeding crickets in the same room so any other methods will be greatly appreciated.
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Jaye- "If you begin to understand what you are without trying to change it, then what you are undergoes a transformation.". ... Jiddu Krishnamurti

>>I purchased a 1.1 group of rats a few days ago and ive been noticing them scratching and biting at their fur a whole lot and was wondering if anyone had experience with this and found a safe solution. I heard no pest strips were good but after doing a little research didnt think it was a good idea because im also breeding crickets in the same room so any other methods will be greatly appreciated.
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>>Jaye- "If you begin to understand what you are without trying to change it, then what you are undergoes a transformation.". ... Jiddu Krishnamurti

Ovitrol plus flea spray. You will need to buy it from a vet but it is what my vet recommends for rats.
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Sonya

Haven't we warned you about tampering with the structure of a chaotic system?
Mrs. Neutron

did you actually see parasities? IMO scratching and biting can just be signs of grooming or nervous behavior.my vet charges $29.00 to go thru the door,and then goes from there.if my snakes (which i place a higher value on than rodents) had mites i would treat them myself.

seemed to be scratching, i also saw blood spatter on the glass of the aquarium which is what made me take a closer look and noticed the male had a small hole in his side and seemed to be biting around that area. Now it could be that the female bit him but with all the scratching and biting going on i believe its more likely he did it to himself.
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Jaye- "If you begin to understand what you are without trying to change it, then what you are undergoes a transformation.". ... Jiddu Krishnamurti

>>seemed to be scratching, i also saw blood spatter on the glass of the aquarium which is what made me take a closer look and noticed the male had a small hole in his side and seemed to be biting around that area. Now it could be that the female bit him but with all the scratching and biting going on i believe its more likely he did it to himself.

You could try a bath....slightly easier than bathing a cat. I would bet they have lice. White, tiny, ITCHY as all get out. Whenever I have had rats itching themselves bloody Lice were at fault and the 2 times it happened we never figured where they came from.
If you have had any other furry pet at the vets you can ask them for Ovitrol spray on their name. It is a good safe spray. I wasn't implying you would have to have the rats seen. Just that the spray is only through vets.
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Sonya

Haven't we warned you about tampering with the structure of a chaotic system?
Mrs. Neutron

I have to go to the vet on Monday to take my ferrets in for their rabies shot so i'll ask if they have the spray. Im pretty sure these rats came with what ever they have whether fleas/lice/mites for i've only had them 3 days and my mice seem to be fine as well as my cat and both ferrets so before this becomes a household problem i'd better treat it. I probably better treat my mice too just in case since they are in the same room. Anyway thanks sweety i appreciate your help.
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Jaye- "If you begin to understand what you are without trying to change it, then what you are undergoes a transformation.". ... Jiddu Krishnamurti