RatNap Pet Bedding

08/08/2023

SARCOPTIC MITES

We have dealt with several cases of sarcoptic mites on social media this week. The following article may be of use if you are getting new rats or suspect your rats to have sarcoptic mites.

WHAT IS SARCOPTIC MITES AND HOW DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Sarcoptic mites or scabies is a highly contagious skin condition. The mites burrow under the skin and forms small bumps or crustiness on the ears, nose and tail of the rat. It causes intense itching and an infected rat may have permanently scarred ears from scratching.

HOW TO TREAT SARCOPTIC MITES
To kill the mites and break the egg cycle, you need to treat your rat with either Kitten revolution or Ivermectin. Apply one drop behind the ear and remember to treat all your rats at the same time to prevent the spread of mites.
Kitten revolution is a once off treatment while Ivomec need to be repeated twice a week apart to break the egg cycle.
The mites will die within hours if treatment and the ears and nose recover within a week or two. The rat in the photo had a moderate infestation and completely recovered after just one week with no permanent scarring.
Cut the nails of an infected rat to prevent scarring and apply an ointment to relieve symptoms.
Colonies of rats may be treated every 3 to 4 months as a preventative.

PLEASE DO NOT USE VASELINE!
(Or oils and other home remedies)
Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is a common household product known for its moisturizing properties. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of Vaseline as a treatment for scabies.
Scabies is caused by mites burrowing into the skin and laying eggs. Vaseline does not have any insecticidal properties, so it cannot kill the mites or their eggs. It may provide temporary relief from itching and help moisturize the skin, but it will not eliminate the infestation.

TAKE NOTE
No reputable breeder or rescue will send a rat to its new home with mites. Recues will usually quarantine affected rats and only send them out after they have completely recovered.
They will also treat rats prior to leaving their facility as a preventative, especially where they are couriered / fly in cargo with other animals.
If the breeder or rescue gives you mite-infested rats, it is best to take your money and run. You are most likely dealing with a back yard breeder or retail rescue.
Always treat all rats from pet stores before introducing them to your colony.

26/07/2023

🐀 Fun fact: Domestic rats are social animals and thrive when they have companionship ❤️

Consider adopting a pair or more to keep them happy!

Rats are highly social creatures that enjoy the company of their own kind. Having a rat buddy or more not only provides them with companionship but also helps prevent loneliness and boredom.

Double the love, double the fun! So, why not consider adopting a dynamic duo of furry friends? 🐀🐀

31/12/2022

Happy New year RatNappers!!
🎉🥳✨ Thank you so much for your support & orders in 2022. Here is to 2023.cheers.🥂🍰🍪

24/08/2022

12/08/2022

So true.. remember RatNappers keep researching Information on your pets.new technology, equipment, enclosures & accessories are always coming out.😊 Your pets will appreciate it.

English

I know it's difficult to accept when we are doing things wrong, specially when we've been doing it the same for such a long time and it's the pain of wondering if we hurt our beloved pet that most of the time prevents us from improving our care.

Animal welfare and standard pet care keeps being researched and improved with time, and it's important to keep researching our pet's needs to do things better ♥️.

- Don't stick to what they told you at the pet store.
- Don't stick to the "we've always done it this way".
- Don't stick to what you see on media "I always see this cage on tv" "they always eat this thing on cartoons" "my favorite influencer keeps them this way.

And more important learn to forgive yourself, your pet doesn't need you to be perfect, they need you to do your best and keep improving ♥️.