2 much handling?

[Ty16]

Hello,
Im new to this forum and i have just gotten my first Rat.
His name is Mussolini. I got him last Friday and i was just wondering if i can hold him too much? And after i start holding him how long until he is a cool cuddle rat and can just sit and watch tv with me. Also the first day that i got him i noticed that he was sneezing alot, so i called the pet store the next day and they said that it was due to stress and that i should just put vitamin drops in his water,so i did is this going to cure him yall think?
Thanks
Ty

[jessiree]

Welcome to the forum!
You can't really hold him "too much" but he might need some time to settle in and he might not want to be held for a bit.

He really needs a friend.  Rats are VERY social and do best with a buddy for when you're not there.  Two rats really isn't any more work than one and they are twice the fun!

As far as the vitamin drops, I don't use them.  I don't put anything in the water that might discourage them from drinking. They are not likely going to help.  The stress can cause the sneezes, but it's also possible he's a bit sick.  Pet stores are not generally good about caring for their rats.  He probably needs to see a vet ASAP.  What kind of bedding are you using?  sometimes that can cause some sneezing, too.

I highly suggest searching the forum and reading through the reference desk.  It'll be a huge help.  There is a TON to learn!

[Ty16]

Thanks,
I do plan on getting another rat but i want Mussolini to get well first. I have already put those drops in and he is drinking the water.should i give him fresh water without the drops? As for the vet visit i doubt that my parents will want to pay a vet bill. Do u think that he can just get better with some tlc and time?

[*Kat*]

If you feel better giving him the water with the vitamin drops in it then maybe give him 2 bottles, one with regular water, one with the water with drops in it.  

Not to scare you, but without having your rat seen by an exotic vet with experience with rats, we really can't say if your rat will be ok without vet assistance.  It could just be the stress from being moved around a lot recently, but rats are also prone to respiratory infections.  Without care from a vet with perscriptions - your rat could possibly get worse and be dead within a week or 2.  Or it could just be the stress and your rat could end up being fine.  I think you should try to talk to your parents about maybe having him seen though.  Rats often have health problems, including tumors later in life that need to be treated.  Perhaps you could figure out a deal with them so you could pay for part of the vet bills or work to make up for the bills (help at home).

Another cause for the sneezing, as jessiree said, could be allergies to the bedding you are using.  What bedding and food are you currently using?

[Ty16]

I use shreaded paper for bedding and the food is this mix of seed and blocks of stuff. i also give him some peanuts and yogurt treats. Should i just leave him alone for the next couple of days. He dosent seem to mind when i hold him but if it will help him get better i will and ill work on my parents i really love this rat already and will do whatever is needed if my parents let me . i have done some research and know that they r very prone tumors and other deathly things. and i want him to have a long healthy life. i ll give him another bottle of water tonight.
Thanks,
Ty

[scrubjay]

He may very well need a round of antibiotics if he came with a little respiratory illness.  My first rat did and it's really common.  It's best to treat it early or you may face more complications.  People here can help with vet recommendations based on your location.  The visit may cost $40 give or take, but the meds can cost a wide range, depending on your vet.  There are options for getting antibiotics, including ordering online, and hopefully your vet can work with you to fit your budget.  Vitamin drops probably will do nothing.  I know some people may disagree, but I wouldn't hesitate to get another rat while they are young and new and likely to take to each other.  Any rat you get may have to be treated for respiratory infections during it's life.  I think their immune systems and general health are better when in the company of their own kind.  They are also more confident and less neurotic and skittish.  Good luck with your ratties and I think it's great you are doing your homework and asking good questions!

[Ty16]

Well i talked to my parents to day and they said that they would think about it, which usually always turns out to be a yes so that makes me happy. i have called the pet stores around my area(cause there is not any breeders close by) and they dont have the rat that i want but they said they might thursday so that is probably when i'll get a little companion for my Mussolini( hopefully) Also is it ok for me to be holding him if he has RI? Im going to go do some more research on it and see if there is any thing i can do to make him more comfy.
Thanks,
Ty

[scout]

Absolutely you can hold him if he has a respiratory infection! The more you hold him, the better he'll feel. And since he's a lone rat for now, he's your only contact with a warm, live being. I'd hold him as much as you want - just be sure to let him have some time to "do his business" every hour or so. To make him more comfortable, you can keep his cage warm, and add humidity to your home with a vaporizer if it's less than 50%. But check with your parents first - sometimes home heating in the winter (assuming you're in the northern hemisphere) already has humidity added in. Make sure he has fresh water to drink. And you can give him about a tablespoon of fresh veggies or fruit every day (except orange). http://www.ratfanclub.org/ is a great place to read about rat care. Welcome!

[Ty16]

Thank you,
I have held him quite a lot today and he seems to be getting used to me. he still wont take food from my hand.Does he have to get used to me before he will do that? And how long before i can teach him how to come to his name and crawl up on to my hand? (after he is well of course) but do i need to wait till we're close?

[*Kat*]

Start using his name with him now, get him used to it, he will get used to that when you say it you are talking to him.  It's never too soon to start working with him.  Don't get mad if he doesn't get it right away, just give him time.  As for taking food from you hands once he learns you have yummy food most of mine would run to the door anytime I came in the room!  So give him time!  Glad to hear he seems to be doing better.

[cuterat]

i don't think rats can be held too much. but, like the others you should probably let your rat settle in first.
Cute name!