Old rat losing weight.

Question
I have 5 rats, all male. I had always had females before this set.

Our two oldest rats are about 2 1/2 years old. Recently, within a month or so, their health has started to decline. I understand certain things will happen as they get older.

One of the older rats weight fluctuates noticeably, but has never been the healthiest of rats. But the other oldest rat has dropped almost all his weight off. This recent weight loss occurred at about the same time between the two. One recovered, one didn't. I am starting to get worried due to being able to actually see his ribs through his fur and his hipbones clearly. I have done everything I can think of to try and convince him to put on weight, but it isn't working. Any suggestion on a healthy weight for a decent size male rat? Maybe something I can give him to help him maintain healthy weight? I am just not sure what to so and am very concerned.

Answer
Hi Genna

sorry it took so long to respond. With the holidays and all, I have been swamped and I didnt want to take any time off here because I know rats dont care what time of year it is, if they are going to have problems, it doesnt matter when it happens!  That said, I wanted to ask if you little old men have had any other health issues in the past? Respiratory infections?  I know you said they have not been the healthiest of rats, and I have to say that few rats are without problems at least once or twice during their already too short life. It just depends on what it was and how fast they recovered and what the method was for treatment such as antibiotics etc...

What type of diet do they eat now?

Do they have access to food all the time or are they scheduled feeders?

Do you have a weight on the boys?

Do they drink alot of water? Do they urinate alot? What kind of stools do they pass?

Is the rat that is dropping weight eating or refusing food?

What does their fur look like? Is it dull? Does it seem to have an odd glossy sheen to it, almost like oily?

Please forgive me for so many questions but I have do ask them in order to get a general idea as to what may be wrong.

Hang in there. I know how it is with older boys. I have old men now, with my oldest buck being 7 months past his third birthday!!
I have a web page all about care for the elderly.

Here is the URL

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/careoftheelderlyrat.htm


Mean time, you can offer them some ensure twice a day along with some baby food. Any type, stage 2 since its thicker. Scrambled eggs a few times a week should be much appreciated by them as well. Boost their iron but keep the protein levels low as always.

Again, please let me know the answer to the above questions.