Honestly she doesn't seem dehydrated. There were plenty of urates in the enclosure when I picked her up that makes me believe shes not completely dehydrated. Although the previous owners said she never shed in one piece, which doesn't surprise me. What about injecting water or pedialite into the rat before offering? I'm not sure if she visits her water bowl enough for it to be beneficial in the water itself.Originally Posted by artgecko
Does she look dehydrated? It might not hurt to soak her for a little while in tepid water about 1" deep or so if you suspect dehydration.
You can get a substance called benibac (don't know spelling). That has beneficial bacterial to help re-establish good gut flora. Using unflavored pedialyte in the water can also help rehydrate and replace electrolytes. I cannot remember the product name, but there is also a dietary supplement you can use (you can inject into feeders) to give them more calories as well.
For size, I'd go with slightly smaller than her girth...if not very small. If she has been without food, you will want to slowly get her eating again and not shock her system by offering meals that are too large. You can try PK/ FT, but if she refuses, offering a live rat pup might not hurt as the motion might get her eating better.
Good luck and thank you for trying to save her.
My husband is pretty good at doing the dead rat dance to get our other bp eating, so hopefully she will take PK and make my life easier lol.
Reply With Quote