Now My Guy Telly is Gone

[Die Fledermaus]

You can see in this forum just below this thread I lost some other rats recently, Petey, Rangi, Max the blue.

You can see in the Rat forum information about Telly - named that after the famous bald actor Telly Savalas as Telly was hairless. And he was a favorite. I thought he was very cute.

I found him dead a few hours ago at the bottom of a big tank with one new guy who helped keep him warm.

There was not a mark on him, his skin was fine; there were no tumors or symptoms of any kind. No mites or bugs. He was fine and normal less than 24 hours ago when I played with him.

It is a deep 45 gallon tank. Ventilation issues on the bottom? I doubt it; there was one other guy there and he is young and small.


Can't think of any other potential issues, not diet or bedding.

*sigh* This one is tough to deal with. He was not old. Dammit.

I took some final photos, wrapped him in toilet paper and a bag, and he is in the freezer. At least I gave him a good life and he never suffered. I was telling him last night in my hand I loved him and "please don't die on me for awhile". Gave him a kiss on his head, too.

When I first got him, with photos:
kanez.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=rats&thread=2713&page=1

He was about 15 months old.


*yells out loud curses*

Very loud.

[pinky]

Awww, DF--I'd say you have every right to curse. This loss is just not fair!

Rest peacefully, Telly.

And your friends feel for you, Tom.

[Die Fledermaus]

Thanks.

This does not relate to Telly, nut there may be a genetic issue with the fancy rats I have gotten at a certain pet store I frequent. Too many are dying really young for no know reason. There were three guys and a sister in a tank there; the next day she had died for no apparent reason, and I trust that worker there. Of the six or so fancies (black and white, and relatively friendly) I got there three have died, one was found dead, still soft, today.

So, I moved the remaining two from that group in with the fellow who was with Telly, and they are in the cage the rabbit Caerbannog came in (a story up in Rabbits from a few years ago); they are just big enough to be unable to squeeze out through the bars. Better ventilation, at least.

The 45 gallon tank is now empty, and later this week I will move the rescued group of spiny mice (another story up from a few months ago) in there; there current place needs a cleaning anyway.

And I am getting ready for the dog show! Whew. Much anticipation. So many dogs all over the Pennsylvania Hotel across from MSG. Much to do, including getting dressed up for the dogs.

[Hamsters82]

So sorry about Telly. Sometimes those things just happen, it could've been a heart attack....that's what I think happen to many of ours when there's no explanation.

Anyway, so sorry again. May he rest in peace.

[Die Fledermaus]

Thanks. It has gotten frustrating. But I always remember he lived a good life here.

[tonyshuman]

That's all we can do--give them all they need to have a good life for as long as they can. I would guess that something genetic was going on; an unseen problem that may be passed in the line of rats from that store. I'd let them know--if they are responsible breeders, they will try to figure out where in the background this issue comes from, and eliminate any carriers from their breeding stock. I'm so sorry. I think he was cute, well as cute as a hairless rat can be. Run free...

[Die Fledermaus]

Thanks.

I doubt if Telly came from the same group, but maybe. It has been the recent line that is problematic.

However, three guys are still alive and well, as are two new girls, along with two older girls.

Hope their will be no deaths for awhile. That deep 45 gallon will be used for spiny mice, asap, after I recover from the Dog Show adventures.