Buffy (http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g254/fox20thc/rats.jpg)has left us.. :( She had a bit of a cough last night and this morning :shakes:

Obviously Slinky is really upset (I think) but appears healthy enough. Any advice?

Aaw Fox, I'm so sorry...

I'm not really sure what to advise, I'm sure some 'rodent people' will help more but when my friend's gerbil got ill, the other died soon after... so I'd probably advise seeing a vet.

As far as company goes for Slinky, I don't know about introducing ratties so will leave that in someone else's court.

So sorry to hear this sad news,
Sleep well Buffy xx

Ta Lotti. :( The kids are gutted.

:cry: Oh Fox, I'm so sorry :(

Well Jabs reckons its just one of the quirks of ratties and sometimes happens. He thinks I should get Slinky a cage mate asap.

Oh fox, sorry to hear the news. :( I would get Slinky to the vets and check it wasn't something contagious before getting a new cage mate. But I'm sure there are a people on here who know more about little ratties.

Oh Fox :( :( I'm so sorry to hear that.

But, I too would take Slinky to the vets before getting a new cage mate, incase it is contagious.

I heard it can be quite hard to introduce rats to new mates once they are older but it probably depends on gender, are your two girls? I think its boys that cause the most problems.

Sorry to here about Buffy and I think vets may be a good idea just in case.

Yes Slinky is a girly as was Buff :(

rats are prone to strokes and respitory problems, they will be fine one minute and gone the next! thats why i stopped having them as it was upsetting.
hope the kids feel better soon and you too fox .x.x.x

They're okay. Im just worried about Slinky being on her own.

Cleared out the whole unit today, scrubbed all the surfaces sterilised the drinking bottle and just put her back. Just had her out for a run and shes fine, no sniffles or coughs so fingers crossed shes fine, munching away on a treat as I type.

awww, I hope you can get her a friend and that the kids soon get over it... have sent you a pm.

Awww, poor Buffy :(

I hope Slinky isn't pining too much :cry:

Hugs to you and the kids :(

How old is Slinky?
If a mature adult I wouldn't really recommend the risk of trying to add a new mate.

It can work, just make sure the newer rat is big enough that it wouldn't get too bullied, but small enough that Slinky can assert her dominance in her house.