>I wondered about mites causing itching, but I have had a really
>good look and can't see any evidence of that, and she still seems
To really check for mites....take a white paper towel or some
white unscented undyed toilet tissue, and wrap the animal in
it, sort of swaddling them, with their head barely sticking out
of the wrapping. Watch the area around the head, on the
toweling. After about a minute, if there are mites, they will
be showing up on the white toweling. Unwrap the animal
and check the toweling.
If you find anything crawling; get some pyrenthin mite spray.
Bird mite spray is half strength...and can be used in a pinch.
Preferred strength is .66 percent total active ingredients.
[note where the decimal is!] Spray animal dorsal and ventral
sides....and spray the entire cage. Inside and out. And the
bedding. (I always change bedding and spray the old stuff
going out and the new stuff going in).
Inspect the feed by dumping it on white paper toweling...
mites can hide in it. If you find them it needs to be tossed
or frozen for at least a week at 0 F or below. [do toss
what's in the cage and doublecheck your main container
in this way]
It does sound more like your animals are rubbing the fur off;
but check for mites anyway.
Deb
Rebel's Rodent Ranch
