I used a different bedding (pine), could it have had mites in it?

Question

I had to separate a sick rat and I used pine for the bedding. I noticed a few days later she had little bugs on her. She didn't have them before and I have other rats and they are all clean. Could there have been mites in the pine? Its the only thing I could think of.

I threw it away just in case but it's weird to think the bedding's where it came from.

Ashley · Accepted Answer

It's quite possible the bedding has caused it. When i first started with my rodents years ago, It was suggested to me to freeze bedding first before using it to kill of any bugs. I dont know how true that is, but I did it and the whole 2 years of owning my rodents, I never once got any bugs on them. 

Hope this helps. :)

Anonymous · Answer

It's not the bedding. All rodents carry a small number of mites but usually their immune system keeps the number of mites to a controllable level. When an animal gets sick, their immune system is compromised and the mites are allowed to run riot and breed excessively which is when you start noticing them.

Keep the sick rat well away from the other rats and when she is well enough, bath her in a special shampoo that you can get from the pet shop or vet to kill the mites.

? · Answer

Pine is not a bedding you should be using.  There is disagreement because it is said kiln drying is supposed to take care of it all.  Harlan, a lab company says you can't get all of the phenols out.  http://www.harlan.com/research_models_and_services/bedding_and_enrichment_products/contact_bedding/laboratory_pine_shavings.hl

Mites can actually be carried in all bedding.   It is recommended that you freeze it for 48 hours prior to use.  http://ratguide.com/care/environment/cage_bedding_litter.php

To take care of the mites on the rat, Revolution is recommended.  Here is a peer paper for your vet if they are unaware of it.  (If you are in the US, you need a prescription for Revolution.)  

http://jarvm.com/articles/Vol5Iss3/Beck%2087-96.pdf  

Here is more information for youhttp://ratguide.com/meds/antiinfectives/selamectin_revolution.php.

Ivermectin may be used, but most often it is not administered correctly and it has to be given weekly.  Revolution is  once every 30 days.  You'll need to treat ALL of your rats.

Good luck.

? · Answer

had you gotten any new rats lately?? 
I know cedre is really bad for mice, rats and Rabbits.
But it could have had mites it depends on how long it was at the holding area for the store you got it from. 
My mice got really sick from Cedre that is why I don't use it anymore.

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I used a different bedding (pine), could it have had mites in it?

4 Answers