Scabby Rat Problem...

[St.Tantrums]

One of my female rats has started getting a lot of little scabs on her back. They seem like scratches or cuts but I havn't seen her fighting or anything and the two that she lives with don't have any at all. One of them is bald so I would be able to tell easily.
She is whinging a bit when I try to look at them. She is about a year old now and has never had this before. I havn't changed her bedding to a different type recently or anything.
If anyones had the same problem or knows anything about it please let me know.
Regards,
Seb
XxX

[LisaLQ]

If it's around her shoulders, it's probably lice or mites. Lice are visible (just) as red/brown little dots (cigar shaped usually), mites are invisible to the naked eye.

Beaphar anti parasite spot on should work, but you'll have to treat all the rats and give their cages a good clean out too.

[St.Tantrums]

Wouldn't the others have got it tho? I'll get ehr sorted eitehr way.
Cheers.
Seb
XxX

[SnakeBreeder]

Sounds like mites to me,

[KathyM]

All rats have mites, just that when the immune system is compromised (either during times of stress or other underlying illness) they get out of control and cause the scabs/itching. Has she had any recent upheavals? Hope she's feeling better soon. I would recommend the Beaphar spot on treatment from the pet shop.

[St.Tantrums]

She's as happy as ever and she isn't scratching at all. I will get the treatment for her tho I think.
Thanks again.
Seb
XxX

[LisaLQ]

At least if you do the treatment, you can rule that out and move on to the next possibility. Wont do them any harm, anyway