So I had augustine for about 2 weeks and I bought Buffy about a week ago cause she seemed scared and lonely, I was planning on getting two at the same time, but that didn't work. From the beginning she had that red mucus stuff . I know that means they can be sick or just stresssed, so after I got the new one they seem happier, but now she has like this clear stuff on her nose, like when you get a cold and your nose dripps. And now i see more red stuff. I've been reading that dark cholcolate, and putting them into a room with hot water may help relieve whatever sickness. What can I do, without takling her to a vet, they cost a lot and my mom will probably be like nothing is wrong with her.
Your rat is from a pet store and your rat has just moved to a new home. These are both important part of the answer. Rats have pretty sensitive respiratory systems and your pet store buddy probably doesn't have the most glamorous history or family tree. Her parentage as well as her 'childhood' have probably encouraged this infection. She has also moved recently, which was stressful. I understand that a vet bill is intimidating and likely cannot be afforded , but you can treat her yourself. Tetracycline (purchase at a pet store for fish and birds) in powder form mixed well with plain yogurt (good bacteria for GI tract) and oatmeal (filling and will keep stool together) for 10 + days should improve his condition. It may even be a really exciting way to bond with her as you bring her a yogurt "treat" everyday ..
Like you said, porphyrin can be caused by stress and you just brought them home recently so they are still trying to adjust. However, rats get horrible respiratory problems. I just lost a year and a half old rat to a sudden and extreme case of pneumonia. Not even the antibiotics helped her. So if they are sneezing, wheezing, or making other sounds when they breathe make sure you get to a vet. Baytril works well at knocking out mild respiratory infections when they pop up so they don't get out of control.
If you can't take her to the vet and she is actually sick, you can't really do anything. Pretty much wait and hope its just kennel cough (not quite the right term, basically a cold) or something.
try contacting a vet, but the 2nd best thing is to post about it here:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/RatFa ... you will get FAST and GREAT answers and help!
