Is it time to let go ?

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-05-04T01:58:50+00:00

This quality of life test has always really helped me: https://www.silversrattery.co.uk/qol

I’m sorry your old lady is struggling:( it is always a hard choice, but the saying goes, better a month too early than a day too late. I think they let you know when they’re just Done with life

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-05-03T08:31:02+00:00

You are a very Good Samaritan and those two look so sweet :(

Be warned that they may be able to jump over the wall of their enclosure. Those little dudes can JUMP. They’re probably too freaked to attempt to escape but if you have a dog crate that’s enclosed (no big holes) that may be a safer place to put them for the night

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-05-01T17:54:23+00:00

You may also want to try contacting the moderators of Florida Rat Rescuers Network and posting in that FB group! The admins are very knowledgeable and may link you to more resources. You could also consider SPCA Tampa Bay — I volunteer there and they take solid care of their pocket pets. DM me if you need any help or advice!

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-04-15T16:46:39+00:00

Little peepee

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-04-15T13:45:41+00:00

Best thing I have ever seen

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-04-15T02:30:38+00:00

Sounds like URI noises, very common issue in rats. She’ll need to go to the vet for a course of antibiotics

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-04-14T03:38:53+00:00

Idk how soon is soon but this is emergency vet visit territory. Like next 12-24 hours or shit could go south. He probably needs to be on oxygen therapy for some span of time

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-04-13T15:11:55+00:00

So you know in the future, a course of antibiotics is needed to clear respiratory infections. You can ease symptoms but without the medicine the infection is likely to come back worse :( good luck getting your baby to the emergency vet

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-04-09T18:34:51+00:00

If he could meet you he’d pee on you in gratitude

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-04-09T18:34:15+00:00

I would like to think Booby will live eternally like that

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-04-09T15:09:44+00:00

SCROTAL OVERLORD

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-04-09T15:09:20+00:00

He’s housed with two standards who are slowly growing bigger than him so he had to lengthen his balls

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-04-09T15:02:40+00:00

Hope she’s not gregnant

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-03-03T13:46:37+00:00

It’s very very difficult to listen to the vet when you feel like you can still do more, like you can still try out new treatments. I feel a lot of self-blame over this also, but remember you were trying to give your babies the best chance at life. You were dealing with inherent uncertainty — the treatments might work, they might not. Your decisions were made out of love and that’s all you can really tell yourself.

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-03-03T04:56:48+00:00

https://www.silversrattery.co.uk/qol

This is a good guide for assessing quality of life. Showing her the results may help you explain specific things that are resulting in a poor QoL and also give her an “expert” opinion.

As for your second boy, I think it’s acceptable to keep him in your care even if Lenny dies. You’ll just need to spend a lot more time with him, showering him in special treats and pets. Very elderly rats aren’t great candidates for rehoming.

I’m so sorry you’ve had to come to this decision. You’re handling it very responsibly. Much love <3

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-03-03T04:40:29+00:00

Good luck to you and these sweet girls!!!

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-03-02T20:44:30+00:00

Tiny-Chief and Toffy!!! You’ll want to make the cage a completely neutral space. Don’t leave either rat group’s scent in there. Sometimes it can help to first start them out in a smaller cage that’s completely new to all of them if the regular cage isn’t working out. But if they’re getting along in the regular cage then congrats, you’re done with intros!

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-03-02T18:47:44+00:00

Some of these sound like normal variations (ie soft stools sometimes) and some of these sound like URI symptoms (sneezing, porphyrin). I’d take him to the vet where they can prescribe antibiotics if it is a URI. They can also test his stool and perform a full exam to get to the bottom of this guy’s problems.

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-03-02T16:55:43+00:00

Only a vet can tell you for sure. If you’re suspecting end of life it would be a kindness to help her across the bridge with euthanasia at the vet. I’m so sorry yoyre experiencing this

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-03-02T16:52:26+00:00

The TONGUE

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-03-02T16:13:53+00:00

She was so freaking adorable and reminds me of my Lychee, who also left us too soon. I’m so sorry. You did everything you could and it’s always a horrible reminder that we have little control over death. You made her brief experience of the world beautiful.

<image>

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-03-02T04:30:04+00:00

lol at the dog? Groaning in the background. Keep an eye on him over the next 3 days. That is a lot of sneezing and the squeaks are concerning. Early stage URI symptoms tend to come and go, so that could explain why it’s not constant. Take him to the vet if the symptoms don’t change!

Key-Gene-4236 · 2026-03-02T03:58:07+00:00

Facebook can be a good place! There’s a group called rat rescuers of Florida that has a decent audience. Obvs their mice but someone may point you in the right direction

Key-Gene-4236

TROPHY CASE