How to quarinte a pet rat?
I got a new rat yesterday for my other one that is sick and on antibotics from the vet and will be better by next tuesday. So shuld I take a shower and change cloths in between handling them, or just wash hands and change cloths?
Update:I need some answers, and at a friends house is not an option! oh and I tink the new one might be pregnant so some signs of due date will be helpful!
Update 3:I got another one so the sick ne will be better by the time the new one is done quarinettting her
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in reply to Kutoja, I have never heard of them being at someone else's house. I don't think thats necessary. As long as you don't handle one, then go right to the other, without washing. Like I said, I have never heard that before, so I'm not sure about that.
It's definitely best to keep them at a friend's house, if at all possible. Ratties can be very susceptible to infections and anything you can do to minimize your new rat from getting sick from your other one would be advised (however, I'm confused why you got a new rat when you had a sick one at home?)
If keeping him at a friend's house isn't an option, I would keep the sick rat segregated in a closed room. And definitely at least wash your hands and change clothes between handling them.
Read all about correct quarantine here:
http://ratguide.com/health/basics/quarantine.php
Remember, in order for the quarantine to be effective and do its job, you need to have the new rat at a FRIEND'S house for a MONTH.
When you go from one rat to the other, change clothes and take a good, thorough shower.
Edit: In public reply to Joe, again: please read the ratguide link.
i don't know about your actual question but i think you may have a problem as many rats hate a new rat being introduced to them and could even go to the extreme of killing your new rat.
I would shower to be safe