Mysterious Rat Death

[meowmeowkazoo]

I clean the rat cages every few days because I keep them in my bedroom. They are in these cages (largest size):

http://www.bigappleherp.com/Big-Apple-Rodent-Cages

They are on Exquisicat pine pelleted litter. They have "Gnawsome Huts" (wooden hides with wooden pegs in fun shapes). They get fresh water every other day or so. They eat Native Earth 18% Protein rodent block. Once in a while they get pieces of whole grain bread or table scraps. They never leave the cages except when I am cleaning them.

The rat that died was female, younger than 6 months, and apparently healthy. I couldn't find any obvious injuries, infections, or other concerning things. I had seen her just a few days ago and she wasn't acting lethargic or listless. She's never been bred. Her parents were a russian blue female to a siamese male. Her cagemate, an american blue hooded female, is doing fine. Her brother (in a separate cage) is also fine.

WTF?

[snakesRkewl]

Being mammals they can have numerous health issues that we can't really diagnose.
If she wasn't showing outward signs of health issues like respiratory issues then it could be any number of internal problems that caused her death.

Are pine pellets kiln dried pine?

[kdreptiles]

Being mammals they can have numerous health issues that we can't really diagnose.

x2
Sorry for the sudden loss.

[Mrl249]

I heard from a very reliable friend that rats are suppose to be on a 21% and up protein level diet. (24 or 25% being best) Idk if it's true but ive stuck to it and my rats are very healthy.

[meowmeowkazoo]

Being mammals they can have numerous health issues that we can't really diagnose.
If she wasn't showing outward signs of health issues like respiratory issues then it could be any number of internal problems that caused her death.

Are pine pellets kiln dried pine?

I would assume so since they are used for cat litter and they don't have a strong odor. Plus all the other rats and soft furs are fine.

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x2
Sorry for the sudden loss.

Thanks, I am pretty annoyed because she was going to be the mother of my first blue point siameses.

- - - Updated - - -

I heard from a very reliable friend that rats are suppose to be on a 21% and up protein level diet. (24 or 25% being best) Idk if it's true but ive stuck to it and my rats are very healthy.

24% is pretty high unless it's a pregnant/nursing female.