Questions about my pet white rat

Question
QUESTION: I am extremely sorry to bother you but I've got some questions about my
rats..
I had bought two white albino white rats from a pet store (i can assure that
they're albino as they're eyes are red). I live in Bombay, India. The rats have
been with me for about a month. I discovered that there was some hair loss
on my rats..
So I reported it to a vet. He said that the rats have scabies and told me the
name of a medicine called 'Ascabiol'. On the bottle its written, "For the
treatment of scabies and pediculosis". He said that I should apply it once a
day and keep the rats separately. He gave me and my parents a big lecture
saying that these mice are not pets, these are lab animals which are used for
testing various diseases and it is typically unknown what kind of diseases it
might be carrying. He said that the scabies will be cured but it will come
again and again...
He said that rats live for a maximum of 3 years but with human care they
won't last long than 10 months. The dealer from where i bought the rats is
not that hygienic and i doubt that the rats are brought from breeders which
emphasize on increasing the quality of rats.
I am really worried about my rats. They are both females and are very active. I
have provided them with a huge cage where they perform their acrobatics.
The vet said that I should not touch them much as the diseases might be
contagious to humans..
I am worried about my rats and what are the steps which should be taken so
as to be sure that now my rats are safe to be touched..
I want my rats to live their whole period and not die in just some months...
Please help!!



ANSWER: Sorry For the late reply,

Now red Eyes are not always a sure sign that they are albino, Chances are that they are albino, but They can also be Lusistic meaning they just are white with red eyes and have no pigment. Albino has other more detailed explanations. I can agree with the vet on Scabies, But it may just be mites. Mites are more probable than Scabies. The meds should help for either of the diseases, I have a rats for years and all have lived past 2. I dont give them vet check ups or a special diet I just care for them as rats. (Ie. Food,water,clean,cage,love,attention) If you are worried about your rats giving their sickness to you wear gloves and wash your hands frequently.

Good luck!

Emily Harris

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey, my mother gave one of my  rats to a relative so i was left with only one female white rat.
I thought that it would feel lonely, so I bought a new white male rat, slightly
bigger than the female.
I have introduction problems..
the female was being aggressive so i put them both into a big box..
Now the female tried to be social but the male is skittish..
There was a few squeaking and squealing but now when the female tries to
confront the male, he stands on his hind legs and tries to protect himself..
what should I do so as to make them get along?
I am planning to breed them and after that I am planning to get the male
castrated..
Please help..  

Answer
Well it will take time as do all introductions take time. Continue to place them together in a box and offer than treats such as fruits. Do not put them in the same cage yet ,they WILL Fight. You say you are planning to breed your rats, one thing to consider is will you be able to care for up to 15 Babies if you can find them a home? Let me know how introductions go and after they get along I will be glad to help you step by step on breeding them.

Good Luck

Emily Harris