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Post by rani on Jul 7, 2008 10:00:01 GMT 10
Just out of interest:
I don't bath my rats although one of them is at that greasy, grubby stage where I am considering it. It has taken 6 months for him to get to that stage but now looking back at pics he used to be so fluffy and white - now greasy and cream!!
I do know of another rat owner who bathes her rats every week or so.
What do other people do?
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Post by nanakki on Jul 7, 2008 18:57:08 GMT 10
Hi rani, I probably bathe them once a month or so, if that. Izzy is really grubby and is definately getting to the stage of needing a bath again (the others clearly pee on her). They hate it, and the appalling smell of wet rats is something to wonder about, but they are so shiny and fluffy afterwards its delightful.
I don't wash them more than this because I believe it strips the fur of the oils.
If you want to I can tell you how I do it, but its also an educational experience to type in "rat bath" on youtube and see how people do it and also what the rats do. My favourite is these two black hooded rats who just sit there calmy on their hind legs in the water and are apparently not distressed at all.
Mine tend to get a bit stressed, but they don't crap in the water anymore, so we are making progress. I put a mild baby shampoo in the bath water instead of trying to wash them outright, because I too often had wet, soapy rats frantically running up my arm. Its not the mess I minded so much as the fact I had to force them back in the water again to wash off the soap and I felt very mean. now i soak them for a bit then rinse them off in the sink afterwards. I get ostracized for about an hour afterwards too, but they usually get over it with the help of peas.
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Colleen
Aussie Rat Owner 
Andy
Posts: 405
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Post by Colleen on Jul 8, 2008 10:58:42 GMT 10
I don't wash them more than this because I believe it strips the fur of the oils. Thats true. i defiantly wouldn't wash them any more than once a month, every week is far to frequent for my liking! My boys hated water full stop. nothing would get them any where near water, so i never bothered with baths. Even though they would have greatly benefited from one  i don't think there are any health benefits from washing or not washing rats, some people like to do it to reduce small and discolouration of the rats fur. |
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Post by wulfyskingdom on Jul 8, 2008 13:29:51 GMT 10
Reminds me of a quote someone made once.... 'Rats aren't clean, they're covered in rat spit!' |
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Colleen
Aussie Rat Owner
Andy
Posts: 405
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Post by Colleen on Jul 8, 2008 14:25:41 GMT 10
Reminds me of a quote someone made once.... 'Rats aren't clean, they're covered in rat spit!' LOL ;D thats so true tho!!! |
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Post by Leeann on Jul 8, 2008 17:55:24 GMT 10
My gang used to get baths the night before a show, but seeing as I haven't been to one in ages, they haven't needed a bath.
When they do get bathed, we put a small plastic stool in the water and only fill bath to an inch under the top of it.
They seem to be more happy if they have something that they can get out of the water onto, so we always have less of the lets jump out of this thing.
Usually we use a dog shampoo with flea control on them, have found this helps lower the chances of mites/lice problems. Then just a quick towel dry and let them do the rest.
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Colleen
Aussie Rat Owner
Andy
Posts: 405
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Post by Colleen on Jul 8, 2008 18:08:59 GMT 10
When they do get bathed, we put a small plastic stool in the water and only fill bath to an inch under the top of it. Thats a really good idea Leeann! thanks, i'll try that out. |
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clem
Aussie Rat Owner
Posts: 19
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Post by clem on Jul 8, 2008 18:33:21 GMT 10
We don't normally bath our rats, but my oldest (Monkey) will hop into a container of luke-warm water and have a paddle.
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Post by scarborough on Jul 26, 2008 11:24:33 GMT 10
My scampers used to like following me into the shower. She seemed to really like water.
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Post by bnrats on Jul 29, 2008 22:56:47 GMT 10
i bath my rats the night before a show and have found in summer some really enjoy a paddle in a cool bath. Last year I thought I'd see how one of my boys would co in the pool with my hubby and he LOVED it  I do think he was a little disappointed that there were no peas in this water though LOL |
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Post by Kim on Jul 30, 2008 0:00:10 GMT 10
I love that photo  I have no idea on why there is a locked poll vote on what things you have for your rats, when the rest of the thread is about bathing rats.  But on the subject, I dont normally bath my rats, although for shows if I had a rat who seemed extra dirty then I would give that one a bath, so he or she would look good at the show.  |
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Post by bnrats on Jul 30, 2008 0:17:29 GMT 10
when rodent friend asked why I bath the rats before a show I said becuse they were a bit smelly and I wanted to have fresh fluffy rats to show. She laughed and told me the judges are rodent people and would understand rodents smell ;D
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Post by aquaman38 on Aug 1, 2008 11:09:01 GMT 10
I only bath my Rats if they get excessively dirty or smelly. But in the warmer months I often let them cool off in the bath and they absolutely love it.
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Post by Kim on Aug 1, 2008 11:47:34 GMT 10
In summer I am always putting big bowles of water around for my rats with peas, corn, carrot and other things in. Then I just watch them go diving for the stuff at the bottom. Its can be a bit messy with water getting all over the place, but it keeps them cool on the hotter days and they seem to enjoy it. Its also fun to watch as some have no problems putting their heads full in the water to get something, where as others will only stick their hands in to try and get something. |
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Colleen
Aussie Rat Owner
Andy
Posts: 405
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Post by Colleen on Aug 2, 2008 11:17:16 GMT 10
i LOVE that photo bnrats!!!
that would have been something to watch.
my first rats hated water with a passion, so i suppose all rats differ, some like water and others don't.
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