Pet Forum / Mammals / Rats / July 2007

As I posted here before, but knowing that there is a good chance you
don't remember, I have two albino rats named Fin and Munch for little
over a year now. They are wonderful---their personalities are totally
different and at the same time they usually get along. Fin is the
adventurous one, who pretty much has too much pride in his bravery.
When he's out of the cage he is usually trying to escape by climbing.
Munch, however, is shy and timid. He'd rather cling to your shoulder,
and stay there for hours. He easily gets freaked-out. (Which I don't
know why. He has no problem with me in general. He hates being picked-
up. But he has no problems with crawling all over me.)

About two days ago I noticed a scab on Fin, but it seems to be fine.
He doesn't pick at it, so there's a good chance it's healing right
now. But I am keeping a close eye on it, just in case it's not a scab
or it breaks open. Besides that, he's active.

There was a fight today---over what? I have no clue. After getting
them to break up, Munch was pretty shaken up. After a few minutes I
went to pet him, and he basically jumped. I was noticing that he was
limping slightly, not knowing it was from the fight, anxiety, or
whatever. Looking closer I noticed a bump on his foot. The first
thought? Bumblefoot.

I know it's caused by wires, but it's never happen before. The cage is
medium size with thick-sized purple bars. The bottom, however, is gray
and solid. Mostly every time I do cover the bars up they end up
tearing it apart. Unless putting something hard, but not rough, would
be a good idea. (My rats like to tear up things---if it's soft, they
are after it. Left Mr. Smiley (a soft, red ball) near them, I come
back, and he's all over the place. Hence when I let them out, I keep
important things out of their reach.)

Would it be safe to call a vet? A general check-up would be a good
thing to them. As much as I hate this, but when I got them they were
overweight. What happen is one of my teachers got them for her
children, but she ended up being the one to take care of them. I
offered to take them after she asked the class. Usually any treats I
give they are apples, carrots, bananas, cheerios, and so forth. Of
course, my mom has this nasty habit of giving them yogurt-based treats
when I'm not home. (And those are usually give rarely, for obvious
reasons.)

They are fine now---content. Sleeping on the bottom, curled up next to
each other. I compared them to brothers----they fight, but at the end
of the day they love each other.

And on the vet? I'm hoping they deal with small animals, such as
rodents, or could recommend me to one.