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Post by sarah4818 on Sept 26, 2009 16:27:17 GMT 10
up untilt his morning I had Toby and Bobby (brothers), 2 very friendly ratties2 1/2 yo, Toby passed away this afternoon, not sure why, but his breathing was crackly all day and he had blood around his mouth and nose after he died (will never know), but was perfectly healthy last night. My question is.... should I keep Bobby by himself or should I introduce another rat to keep him company? If yes, should this rat be young or old?
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Post by Kim on Sept 26, 2009 19:42:18 GMT 10
Did you say they were both 2 and a half years old? If so then that could be why Toby died at 2 and a half as it is old age for a rat. Many rats pass away between 18 months and 3 years. The blood from his eyes and mouth was more likely Porphyrin.. its basically a discharge from the tear ducts and nasal passages the chemical recation of this discharge makes it look red like blood and so it is normally mistaken for blood. At 2 and a half I personally wouldnt get a young rat for Bobby to have as a friend as a rat who is 2 and a half is similar in age to a 75 year old person .. where as a young rat who is say 4 months old is similar to a 12 year old person. You could try and find Bobby a friend who is already over a year old, but that could be hard to do.. Or you could just let Bobby live alone with lots of human contact and love, as for a while he will probably mourn the loss of Toby and more than likely wouldnt like having a friend at all.. But rats are individuals just like people, so you can not be 100% sure of anything.. I have had rats who have spent all their lives with another rat and then get very anti-social towards rats who are introduced as a friend when the other rat has passed away. That is normally the normal reaction with rats who are 20 months old or older.. But I have rats who prefered to not be alone after they lost their cage mate and were happy to have an adult friend again. Rats grieve in their own individual ways, just like humans do.  Sorry for your loss of Toby.  |
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Post by christie on Sept 26, 2009 21:06:09 GMT 10
Sorry for your loss.
Also if you wanted to get a younger ratty to keep Bobby company it would be a good idea to get 2 that way they have each other to play with seeing as Bobby prolly wont be doing much playing at his age. But he will have the company of other rats and can cuddle with them if he chooses.
But as Kim said some rats might not want another companion right away, some might. Its a tough decision, but there isn't any wrong choices here.
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Post by sarah4818 on Sept 30, 2009 15:10:53 GMT 10
It was definitely blood, coming from his nose and mouth. I can only put it down to the kids that were handling him the day before and his breathing was crackly and laboured. It is very sad cos he was the super friendly rat and his brother is a bit nippy, so I am thinking he may not go well with a new friend. For now we will give him extra love and keep him on his own unless anyone in SA has an older rat to rehome!!! When we do decide to buy new rats, does anyone know where I can go in SA that is not a petshop. We don't seem to have any breeders here?
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Post by rattitats on Oct 11, 2009 20:17:39 GMT 10
Oh I feel so much for you. I lost my first rat a few weeks back as well, its not easy to get over, but remember that everyone feels for you. RIP Toby.
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