Questions About Rats (and budgies)

[mousie]

Thanks once again for responding! This is such a decision right now. My rats have never had porphyrin around their eyes or nose and they've never wheezed or clicked. I really want a bird but I suppose I must do what's best for the rats and the bird. I guess I could possibly convince my parents to let me house a bird somewhere else in the house. So, for sure, I should not house a bird and 2 rats in the same room?

[CathyBogart]

I just wanted to add that I know how frustrating Myco can be, and in most cases a flare-up doesn't require a vet visit. Myco is caused by spores, which are nigh impossible to kill and impossible to eradicate completely.

I had a parrotlet housed in the same room with a pair of rats and a bunch of reptiles and he thrived. The snakes, however, were forever eyeballing the rats.

[Chilli]

So, for sure, I should not house a bird and 2 rats in the same room?

It just really really depends on how much you want to risk it. Even with clipped wings, most birds learn how to glide.

Housing a bird in a different room is a perfect solution. My birds have the office to themselves so that the other animals in the house can't torment them. They love it because they can be out almost constantly(when supervised, of course. ) and I don't have to worry.

[mousie]

Thanks everybody! I'm thinking about trying to house them in the same room and if it doesn't go well I have another room that the rats can go into. I shouldn't get too ahead of myself though because I'm getting the bird in 2 months but I really want one now . Thanks though for responding and like Cathy said the ratties have never had an outbreak, just little sneezies here and there!