How and Why: Quarantining New Rats for Health and Safety

How and Why: Quarantining New Rats for Health and Safety

Soybean_cyst_nematode_and_egg_SEMWhen you adopt new rats, it is important to ALWAYS quarantine them for a minimum of three weeks before they are introduced to your current pets. Even if a rat looks healthy, it could carry a potentially deadly illness, parasite, or infection. In addition, the rat will need to be fully vetted. This will determine if the rat carries any illnesses that it may have developed an immunity to, which could potentially infect your current pets. This article will tell you everything you need to know including:

    • Why Do New Pet Rats Need to Be Quarantined?
    • How to Properly Quarantine Rats
    • What Is the Best Cage for Quarantining Rats?
    • How Far Apart Should I Keep New Rats and Current Pets?
    • What Symptoms Should I Look for During Quarantine?
    • What Should I do If a Rat Is Sick During Quarantine?



Why Do New Pet Rats Need to Be Quarantined?

rat menstrual bleeding miscarriage pregnancyWhen a new rat is added into a household, it is very possible that he or she may carry an infectious disease that may be passed on to rats who currently live in the home. To prevent the spread of disease or illness, you quarantine the new animals. In addition, everyone should visit the veterinarian for a wellness check up as well. Animals must be quarantined for a full (21) days, or up to (30) if preferred. This time period allows potential symptoms to be observed before pathogens or parasites are transferred between rats.  Since older and younger rats are more susceptible to illness and parasitic infections, longer quarantine times are recommended if young, elderly, injured, or recovering ratties are in the home.

How to Properly Quarantine Rats

Proper quarantine procedures for pet rats to reduce contagions and parasites include:

  • Housing the rat in a different building (usually not possible in pet homes, so the furthest room is best).
  • Comfortably sized cage for quarantine period with deep bedding tray to contain dirt and potential pathogens/parasites.
  • Vetting during quarantine.
  • Strictly following any and all sanitary guidelines.
  • Visually inspecting each rat closely for symptoms during quarantine.
  • NEVER allowing animals to spend time in the same room during quarantine.