100% Parasite free?

[greenman1867]

Is this possible with rats? I would like to try to have a 100% parasite free colony. Here are my thoughts so far, any other suggestions? Or is this even possible?

1) Pre treat any "new additions" for mites prior to mixing with colony.

2) Have regular fecal sample sent to vet for check

3) And of course keep colony as clean as possible

Any other ideas? Thanks in advance.

Pic of my favorite girl (because she is a rat who looks like a rat IMO)

<IMG SRC='http://usera.imagecave.com/greenman1867/01_23_0.JPEG'>

[sapphire_moon]

how are you going to fecal check everyone if you are keeping them in colonies?

I would never treat mites if they aren't there.

Most people if you are going to "quarantine" is best to do it where they have their own air supply, like at a friends house where there are no other rats. Because there are illnesses that can be transferred through the air.

Otherwise I think most people just put them into the cage.

Beautiful girl, she's an agouti (uh-goo-tee) ;)

[greenman1867]

Well, thank you very much. I like her too, and thanks for the info too :)

[Linds]

If you want clean rodents, the only really feasible plan would be to purchase them straight from labs (not lab-strains that someone has been breeding on their own). Pinworms are present in most rodents, and irradicating them can be a real job and a half. The enclosures would have to be constantly disinfected since rats are always pooping, they can reinfect themselves and eachother, during the entire duration of their worming until they are clean. That being said, pinworms found in rodents are not the same kind that affect reptiles. They cannot stake claim on a reptile's system, only die and pass through. They are no threat at all and IMHO, not worth trying to clean your colonies of them.

[sapphire_moon]

an IDEA would be to put them in a LARGE rubbermaid and attempt to potty train, lol....

a potty trained feeder breeder. lol.

And if you do decide to try and get some "real" lab rats, you shouldn't come in contact with pet store rats or "normal" rats as it can bring the disease "myco" home with you on your cloths, and since they had never been exposed to it, it can kill them as their systems are not used to it.

otherwise, ya, what linds said ;) lol

[mice4you]

Great points Linds

[reptile boi]

this might be a stupid question but, are there any labs in ontario? Also, if the rats had mites, would we possibly be a host for them seeing how we're mammals as well?



Thanks,
Ben