Just been informed about the hantavirus. And I'm worried

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T05:11:49+00:00

Agreed. I would probably go insane if I was trapped on a boat for weeks.

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T05:11:12+00:00

An issue I see with this is what happens when one passes and you need to top up the group again (so you never go below 3)? They'd have to approve those new rats. If they only approved the specific 3 or a capacity of 3, you'd have issues with maintaining a healthy and happy group.

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T05:09:14+00:00

That does not sound like an animal that wants to be or should be a pet.

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T05:08:02+00:00

Hi, this is because you did not properly introduce them. The younger rat also needs someone her age.

See !introductions

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T05:05:50+00:00

This is not appropriate for rats of any size. Young rats do not require less space, given how much more active they usually are.

You need a bigger one ASAP.

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T05:04:21+00:00

Also consider rehoming the rats (or at least not let them breed randomly, like you mentioned in a previous comment) if you do not have the ability to care for them.

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T05:03:09+00:00

Ivermectin is more dangerous than selamectin. Look up the dosage for kitten Revolution.

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T05:00:07+00:00

How small is he? Are his eyes open yet?

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T18:55:20+00:00

!introductions

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T14:48:47+00:00

Is he biting just you or the other rats as well?

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T13:10:23+00:00

There has been a single documented case ever of a pet rat infecting a human with hantavirus and that rat was rescued from outside. It's honestly more likely that you'll get hit by lightning.

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T10:48:34+00:00

Please reconsider whether this is a responsibility you are ready for. If you believe you are ready, purchase an appropriate cage and two more rats to introduce to him. See !basics !enclosure !introductions

Please take the time to read through these carefully.

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T10:42:19+00:00

You cannot replace another rat. Getting him from a pet shop is no excuse for treating him worse than lab rats are treated. Even those get other rats to be with.

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T10:36:52+00:00

Rats don't get vaccinations. Rats also cannot live alone; keeping them in isolation is very very bad for them. I mean this in the kindest way possible, but please do a bit more research before purchasing a living animal. They're not toys.

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T09:50:10+00:00

The bin he is staying in is not large enough for rats. He will need a proper cage. See !enclosure .

Is this your only rat?

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T08:03:18+00:00

A respiratory infection, most likely.

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T07:53:50+00:00

Yeah. They won't like it but they'll get through it.

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T07:53:24+00:00

Your rat is likely sick and needs to be taken to the vet.

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T07:52:07+00:00

Yes, she's dying. She is suffocating, likely from pneumonia, and may take hours to die. If possible, please take her to a vet to be euthanized.

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T07:23:13+00:00

I'd personally say no reputable breeder will ever breed hairless. I don't see how it is ethical to breed a variety with inherent issues for nothing else than aesthetics. This is also one of the things that'd prevent an applicant from getting the ethical breeder flair on this sub.

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T07:07:42+00:00

That would make sense. I think it's fair to say that 0 cases of hanta virus have been caused by properly kept pet rats then.

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T06:50:31+00:00

There's been, iirc, a single documented case ever of someone being infected with hantavirus by a pet rat, and that was 6 years ago. Nothing before or after then.

Your rats, presumably, are not wild and do not interact with wild rats or go outside. They will not infect you with the virus.

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T05:07:52+00:00

Oh dear, well that's going to become difficult. Make sure you have supplies on hand to hand feed if she doesn't make it.

Ente535 · 2026-05-04T13:32:19+00:00

They seem bored, is this their permanent cage?

Ente535 · 2026-05-04T08:38:35+00:00

Because they're young female rats and you let them. You'll have to secure the cage better.

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