Broadwaters Rat Community

It is said that all rats carry mites but through regular grooming they control any outbreaks. Mites can come in on bedding, particularly hay and spread around your rats very quickly. They can be seen under a microscope but it is possible to see infestations with the naked eye.
Outbreaks usually happen when an animal is too sick or old to groom well.

Signs of mites are scratching and scabs on your rat together with patches of missing fur.

Beaphar which may usually be considered a cheaper brand, do a spot on mite treatment for hamsters and rabbits/ferrets.
This treatment is very effective and inexpensive. It seems to be available at most pet shops.

A second option is Harkers pigeon spot on which also works well and is more cost effective for large mischiefs!

I personally don't advocate treating monthly but bi-annually. My rattery is treated in the Spring and Autumn as change of seasons is usually when parasites seem to spike!

Thank you for this. The Rattery I sourced Crowley from used the spot on stuff and recommended it. But to be honest, I forgot! I will get some immediately! At what age is it suitable? (For the rats, I mean )

Ideally over 6 weeks but for my lot is depends how old they are when I come to do my rounds.

If I had small babies less than 6-8 weeks I’d skip them and do them in 6mos.

But I should say that if it’s obvious a rat has mites in between the two preventative treatments then obviously I would treat there and then. It happens occasionally with elderly males who have stopped grooming xx