I'd say I agree with this only sometimes. The quality greatly varies from bag to bag - some are extremely dusty, others are great. Many bags of aspen from different companies do the same thing. We are now using shredded newspaper and office paper. Seeing no dust, as we shred it ourselves, and so far love the stuff. About to go knocking on neighbors' doors asking for all their scrap paper.Quote:
Originally Posted by RobNJ
I would however suggest using normal water, and giving supplements via food instead of vitamins in the water. The vitamin supplements sold for use in water tend to break down quickly, being useless, while promoting bacterial growth. It may also be that they taste funny enough that the rats refuse to drink because they don't recognize it as a safe source of water.
Without a necropsy, you may never know what's causing the occasional rat to start dropping off, but keep a close eye on them. If you get any more rats that are suddenly getting lethargic and skinny, I'd recommend a vet check and/or a necropsy if it can't be saved (keep in fridge and get to vet ASAP to send in for necropsy - do not put body in the freezer, and do not waste time getting the body to the vet).