Nibbles/pet rat

Question
My daughter & I bought Nibbles a little over 2 weeks ago for my granddaughter for her birthday. She seemed lonely so 3-4 days later we bought another female rat, Whiskers.  I noticed Whiskers sneezing & now Nibbles has been sneezing.  She is sneezing more than Whiskers.  I use bedding with no oils or wood chips...looks like off white, soft cardboard...sorry, cannot remember the name.  Nibbles does eat & play with Whiskers but she is spending more time in the huts, etc.  
I started noticing white spots on her face, as though the fur were missing, however last night she was sideways & I noticed the one spot is raised like a small lump.  I called the vet but they want $50.00 just to look at Nibbles.  I really don't have that kind of money but if you suggest that is what I need to do, I guess I will scrape it together somehow.  I read that I could add echineacea (don't know if I spelled this right) to their water for no longer than 3 weeks & try garlic.  I have pure aloe to add to water....would any of these things hurt her?  What do you suggest.  I took notice they are scratching alot also.  
Thx,
Sherry
I do not see excretions from their eyes or nose.

Answer
 I'm not too familiar with holistic medications or their effects so I really can't say for sure whether they will hurt or help.  Most often they won't 'cure' the problem, but may alleviate symptoms until veterinary care can be sought.  I can't recommend anything in particular, or against anything in particular.

 Sneezing is usually due to a respiratory infection which most often require antibiotics to treat effectively.  I'm not certain what the white spots are, is it possible that they have mites?  Mites can come in on bedding or from other infested rats and can cause itchy raised lumps on the face as well as feet, ears, and tail.  If they've been scratching more lately this may be the cause.  Other than that it could be an allergy or bites from the other rat.

 I would recommend they be seen by a vet; if cost is an issue you may have to find another vet who will charge a bit less.  Usually a vet will examine a rat for around $30, $50 is a bit excessive.  Some vets who specifically see exotic animals have varying fees for different animals, you may have to call around, even to a neighboring city.

 Well I hope everything goes well for them, let me know how things turn out!  For more about holistic medicine I recommend asking this group if you haven't already: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/holistarat/messages?o=1

 Good luck!