ok i just got a new rat and he stinks. can i wipe him off wiht a baby wipe or is there someting i can use to bathe him? and whats the deal with pine bedding? cuz that carefresh dont last long at all
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Bathing question
argos_mom
Jul 19, 2008 01:27 PM
Replies (1)
PHLdyPayne
Jul 20, 2008 12:59 PM
rats are pretty good at cleaning themselves up as long a their environment is clean. But if he is really soiled, a bath in water with a soap used for ferrets (helps keep the natural oils of the skin and fur from being stripped away) or a mild soap can be used. But dry them off well, afterwards.
Pine isn't the best for rodents because of the oils and toxins in the wood itself. Though kiln dried pine isn't as bad as cedar (cedar is definitely no to use as a substrate) pine still irritates rodents.
There are plenty of safe beddings for rodents out now, Carefresh is one, then there is aspen shavings or other hard wood shavings, various paper products (Yesterday's News, often sold as kitty litter), wood pellets etc.
Aspen shavings are probably the best bedding, mixed with Carefresh it works quite well too.
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PHLdyPayne
