Rat introductions were going so well & snake vet trips | VLOG

[@mousenation3867]

What an episode a lot happening. So sorry to see Polo pass but glad he didn’t suffer ill health and enjoyed his life right till the end. Sending you a big hug 🫂

[@rowdyrats7035]

I'm so sorry about Polo, he was such a gorgeous boy. Sleep well little guy. ❤ I love Tiffin, the head tilt gives him this look like his head is just always empty, he's just happy to be there. 😅❤

[@Emiology]

As much as I wish he didn’t have a head tilt it adds character 😅

[@rowdyrats7035]

@@Emiology Yeah, definitely would have been great if the ear infection hadn't left a head tilt behind, but he's a happy looking boy, a little wonky, but it looks like he doesn't let that bother him. 🥰 Do you think he will grow more or stay smaller for the rest of his life?

[@Emiology]

He seems to be growing a bit more now after his ear infection. There was a period of time where you could really feel his spine and then it just seemed to resolve itself. I think he will always be a smaller boy but his mum was also quite a small rat!

[@amandadeprey4250]

Thank you so much for discussing veterinary professionals. I can’t tell you how often I get screamed at or called a scammer/liar or being told that I only care about $$$ and not animals. We are underwater in this profession, most of us living paycheck to paycheck and the abuse from clients is real 😢

[@Emiology]

If all you cared about was money you’d be in a much higher paying lower stress job instead 😩🤎

[@freyarebecca4683]

Thank you so much for being open about money and vet bill prices, it really helps me out. I get so stressed and overwhelmed by it all, I’ve got a vet bill savings account and I try my best to keep it at around £1,000 because I have 13 rats and I’m always so stressed when it gets down to like £500, £300. So thank you, I always feel so anxious about it and it’s nice to know I’m not alone x

[@sunstar4559]

I'm so sorry to hear about Polo. He was such a good boy. I'm glad that Rue's gonna be ok!

[@maryoleary5044]

Oh, Polo 💖 Sorry Emiology You're guys couldn't be better cared for and loved 💞 Lovely keeping the little bottle of rembering x

[@glowstick1014]

It feels comfortable to see another person with a rat that has a permanent head tilt! One of my girls had it once and I tried to get her treated for a possible infection with two different medication but it wasn't an ear infection lol. It's a relief i'm not the only perma-tilt rat dad 😅

[@thisladiesnotok]

This woman literally has all the pets she can have. And she deserves them.

[@megsuec]

I’m so sorry for your loss 😢 I can’t imagine how you feel with it happening so suddenly… rest in peace sweet boy!

[@TheSqueakyFam]

Sorry for your loss of Polo ❤️ I hope things start getting better for you soon! The only silver lining is, it has helped me (and I'm sure many others) manage my own stress with my own animals and vet trips (not least the vet trip I've got this evening with a very sick pet 😢) as it feels like I'm not the only one/helps ground me that everyone with animals has that stress and this many bad things happen from time to time. I still wouldn't wish it on you at all, but it has made me feel less isolated because everything else on the internet is all sunshine and roses and cute pictures. Thanks Emi for giving a realistic view as usual 😊

[@MamoruChan_]

The grey-hooded boy looks so cute when he narrows his eyes, he was literally this emoji😑

[@josephinastover5785]

That's so sad; Im very sorry for your loss! 😢 RIP Polo, you were a sweet rat ans will be missed 💕

[@maryoleary5044]

Squish Test 😂 Love this! Oh, if only my little puddings would stay still like this 😄

[@annasmith9491]

So sorry about your loss of gorgeous Polo. 😔 About to start intros again and am so pleased to have seen another lot from you. Thank you for this and also for encouraging kindness to us in the veterinary industry. So unusual to hear positivity and realism instead of bashing ❤❤❤

[@Tocalifekid-9293]

I love you so much you are my idle!!❤

[@TobyMaguire-w7u]

My heart sunk when I heard about polo I am so so so sorry for your loss I know how it feels my dog died a few months ago I’m so sorry

[@sandalloveromg]

Just ran into this video in my recommended. Havent seen a video of yours in a few years, i got rats about 3 years ago and i came to your videos to learn how to better take care of them. They passed earlier this year but seeing your video gave me a happy reminder than them little dudes were in my life :) thank you for the valuable info i got to use for my pets

[@GuidingLightDogs]

Rest easy Polo - you are so loved ❤❤ I’m glad intros for the other four boys are going well and that you got answers about Rue. And River is doing so well!

[@Kyndra_Jade]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Emi. Polo looked like such a sweetheart. May he rest in peace with lots and lots of treats

[@marzettik]

It always sucks to lose a pet, but having them pass in their sleep at home seems better. I know that it doesn’t make it hurt any less though. Wishing you better times ahead. ❤

[@chriswilletts3621]

It's amazing what we can take in life. But rat and mice introductions were never my favourite thing to do. Great vids 👍👍

[@jamiedelgado1484]

Thank you for another video Emi. The longer the better in my opinion. Thank you so much for what you said about being kind to veterinary staff. There was huge increase in clients with unreal expectations, and bad attitudes since Covid. But it's amazing people like you that make it still worth doing. I'm so sorry you've had a run of bad luck with all your babies. 🫶♥️

[@Tocalifekid-9293]

OMG you inspire me so much I got a like from you aghhhh!

[@DragonScale2002]

I haven't watched your videos in a while, and I would just like to say that I adore Tiffan (idk spelling). I don't know how he got the head tilt, if it was genetic or it could be a sad rescue story, but still, he's making it work for him and I love that. You have my condolences for Polo passing, but thank you so much for your consistently good care and ensuring your babies have a good quality of life. To be honest, a lot of the time I ignore the pet sphere on youtube (particularly reptile people since I wish to become a herpetologist) because of how toxic it can be, but you are one of the only content creators I can trust to actually care. Loss is painful, but helps us to remember the good moments and to appreciate what we have. Especially with rats having the short lifespan that they do. Thank you for being awesome and good luck

[@Emiology]

That’s really kind 🥹 There doesn’t seem to be a lot of pet creators around anymore since the hype died down but I’d like to think most of them outside of making videos really care about their pets. It can be rough documenting all the bad things that happen but I think it’s really important to show the realistic side! Tiffin has something neurological going on that we can’t quite figure out but it seems to run in his genetics 😖 he’s a happy little guy though

[@DragonScale2002]

@@Emiology Also, my personal opinion with the question at the end of the video (not 100% so be sure to fact check) is that without a host the parasites/worms should die off. Parasitic organisms usually only survive as a result of benefiting from another creature and cannot sustain themselves without it. I'm unsure if the parasite in question could target the clean up crew, but snakes and crustaceans/arthropods are very far genetically from each other, and parasites tend to be relatively specialized. Even if they can target the clean up crew, the background shouldn't be an issue! You can just quarantine the clean up crew in the meantime and observe if there are any issues :) But thank you so much for the reply! I appreciate it

[@Hayley0412]

I absolutely loved this longer video, I love all of your animals I have birds, dogs and a cat but I am NOT allowed a snake or a tarantula my kids ( adults ) and husband are terrified! I am so very sorry that Polo passed away, I would like to die in my sleep so a lovely way to go but you looked so shocked, it is so hard losing our pets! River looks stunning she has grown so quickly and she look’s well trained, I bet you enjoy her company now that she has left the puppy stage. Your hair looked gorgeous and you are stunning ! ❤❤❤

[@Emiology]

Such a nice comment thank you 🥹🤎 definitely did not enjoy the puppy stage but working through adolescence and all the challenging behaviours that’s bringing 😅

[@Dressagio]

Oh my gosh I’ve just seen, I’m so sorry about Polo😞😞 sending so much love Emi🤍🤍

[@spimeminister]

It's very possible that if you handle your snake enough they can feel something like affection for you. However you have to realize that they aren't like a cat or dog and won't show you any visible signs of affection. If they are calm while you hold them or when you reach into the enclosure then they love you.

[@ashrowan2143]

In regards to allergies generally avoiding touching the face while in the same area as them wash thoroughly after handling them or any thing they use, keep up anything you can for grooming with our cats that means brushing and baths as well as being very conscious of household cleaning to keep dander levels down I'm not sure what that entails for rats since they are illegal where I live. Any time you get scraped scratch or bitten rinse it thoroughly with water and and soap take an antihistamine pill if you have them to keep swelling down, and if you have any broken skin even very dry skin can be extra sensitive to allergens try to cover it up before doing anything with them. If you talk to your doctor their may be some allergy treatments available again im not certain ehat the options are aince rats are illegal where i live but I know some allergies you can get shots to help with

[@HannahTheHorrible]

Man Emi you just can’t catch a break lately :( I’m so sorry

[@ScubaX29]

Oh wow didn't expect to see you here Hannah!

[@ashrowan2143]

Introducing animals that are going to live together is always stressful. I've only really had to do it with dogs and cats but its so stressful, we also try to do it with one of them being younger when possible since it generally goes better that way but its still stressful

[@megsuec]

Just started watching you last week to get myself back into my obsession with rats and I love your channel!! Makes me so excited to get rats next year (hopefully!)

[@kerseykrewzoo]

So sorry about Polo. The sudden passing of a beloved pet is always worse than when you're expecting it. As for the reptile stuff: You can steam clean, use F10 or Chlorhexidine, or a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water. Some solutions need to sit for different amounts of time to fully eliminate bacteria and such but I'm not sure of the exact times. Also, I would consider trying to find a vet who is better versed in reptile illnesses and such because 3 samples in 1 week for a snake just isn't possible unless you have a very sick snake with diarrhea or something. Not hating on the current vet, but they don't seem to be as familiar with reptiles as they are with rodents and such. I'm about to try intros between a mischief of 4 males and a single male who was a "failed feeder" but is super sweet and seems fairly relaxed personality-wise. Wish me luck! 🤞🏻🤞🏻❤️‍🔥🤘🏻

[@Emiology]

This is a different vet that I only use now for the more exotic pets that aren’t the rats / mice as they have a better exotics department for reptiles but haven’t been amazing for rodents to justify the price, they used to have a great exotics vet who specialised in snakes but she disappeared for a while and has moved to another vets ☹️ All the good vets in my area keep moving away. She otherwise seemed good but the 3 sample thing was impossible

[@kerseykrewzoo]

​@@EmiologyOh I definitely understand the lack of a good exotics vet. I live in a tiny town in Kentucky, US and my closest vet is your common "country" type vet who is more knowledgeable about farm animals and how to eradicate pest rats than he is about reptiles and pet rodents. The closest exotic vet is 3+ hours away. 😢

[@strawberrynarwhal]

I had rats when I was younger, recently I had gotten some and I was so severely allergic that I couldn't breath and had to remove them. Luckily they all went together.

[@ZoesPetitePets]

I’m so sorry for your loss ❤🕊️

[@kidstuff44555]

I've always done just neutral territory for rat intros. I had never heard of putting them in a small carrier. We have had 6 girls and 7 boys over about 10 years. Let them meet on the couch, then into a temporary cage, then after a day straight into the big cage. I think like all animals, it depends much more on the individual temperament of the rat rather than the intro method. As in, if they're going to get along they will get along regardless, and likewise if they're aggressive rats, no method no matter how gradual will really help

[@Eternatease]

I got banned by my (then) breeder and two rescuers because I didn't prefer to do carrier intros. Don't they know how difficult some rescue rats can be regarding intros? I usually start out with neutral territory intros and then gradually move towards cage intros. But I had several pairs that came from SPCA seizures. My latest pair needed over 100 hours of gradual introductions, and even then it took four more days until one of them got so tired of the attention of my resident males that she lashed out at both of them within half an hour. That (fixed) female rat can't be bonded with my my males at all. One day she would seriously mess them up. Not out of anger, but because she is anxious about being groomed or dominated. Sadly one of the two males I had intended to bond them with got a very aggressive Zymbal's gland tumour and had to be put to sleep. I now (very sadly) have a separate male and two females. The other of the two females also has contact issues with my male and wants to dominate him and even fight with him to keep him from grooming her. While he has the best intentions and while he is a gentle teddybear. He is almost afraid to approach her sometimes. So what I do now is give the second female (with the fewer issues) and him regular meetups in my 'intro' cage. He gets meetups with her there for four to six and a half hours, 5 to 6 evenings a week. And that is the only safe way for them to be together. And for my male to not be alone for the rest of his life. And even then she sometimes bites him if he comes too close and she gets anxious. But I have the cage next to me then, so I can separate them immediately. Getting (older) rescue rats is pretty difficult here in the Netherlands, and even moreso if you get opposed by prejudiced breeders or rescues "because you don't use the safest method of introduction". Like there is only one way of doing it. And like every pair or group of rats can be bonded if only you used 'our recommended method'. Like I am some kind of animal torturer. I HAVE tried their method as part of some of my intros, but it didn't matter for those rats, because they were anxious and possibly unsocialised rescues. Even after several hundreds of hours of meetup my milder female still gets anxious about my male and bites him when he tries to gently groom her. It's like these females have some kind of contact anxiety. I am still looking for a pair of rats to introduce to my single male, but what if they also turn out to have contact anxiety? Then I am left with three cages of separated rats. And what if they aren't accepted by my females as well, after my single male has gone? Adopting difficult rescue rats isn't easy. And to then get such stubborn opposition from a breeder or a rescue is sad. While I have the best intentions, and while I am willing to pay any vet bills that come up. For for instance castrations, tumour surgeries, meds for breathing issues.. /rant

[@kidstuff44555]

@@Eternatease I agree with you,. Some rats (a minority but significant) are just going to not get along well with others. Either aggression or anxiety issues, and that's either their innate temperament and/or magnified by poor socialization. This goes for all animals, and us humans as well. No breeder or anyone else should think that there is a way to introduce all rats that will have a good result every time, because that's just not true. The fact is, in the wild animals can leave and get away to another territory if there are serious disputes. In domesticated situations that's not the case. Some rats can't be introduced to others safely.

[@tinamcguire3660]

❤ yikes! That was a lot. Well wishes for you and all your little guys.

[@Dressagio]

I really feel you on the financial side! Had a boy with bad respiratory issues, cost about £300 for treatment, only for them to realise he couldn’t be taken off oxygen and had permanent damage, so needed to be euthanised, which was another £300😭😭 I wouldn’t change my decisions but christ it stung so much!! My vets were great about everything and I do really like them, but vets, especially for exotics are pricey!!

[@SteCoretta]

So sorry for Polo 😢 May he watch over you from the rainbow bridge

[@lucywalton6229]

How about steam cleaning Rue's enclosure?

[@vivianelabelle3992]

Sorry for Polo and Rue!😢💔🐀🐍

[@sunnynorris39]

About the rat allergies. Ik this may sound really strange but I have always been allergic to cats and my friend used to have loads and even kittens for a while so I always took store bought antihistamines as a precaution and it helps so much . Another thing is you can get a needle some are a one time things some are regularly but if you talk to your doctor they may help you find a solution is you don’t want to get rats out of your life ( I definitely wouldn’t want to give up on pets for an allergy but if it becomes a hazard you have to do what’s best ) I am so sorry about polo I remember the meet polo video

[@ReptileJen]

I have NEVER heard that about a reptile poo sample... I've sent off single leopard gecko poop and a single blue tongue skink poo all of them were tested fine :/ I hope Rue is on the mend soon! I am so sorry to hear about Polo xx

[@Emiology]

I hadn’t either that’s why I was so surprised!

[@ashrowan2143]

Heck I've never heard about that for cats and dogs either. I've collect both a fecal and urine sample from two seperate dogs and I've had a urine sample collected from one cat. They've never needed more than one

[@Eternatease]

Re: rat allergy: That's why I always wash my hands and lower arms after I played with my rats. I (or my skin) got more sensitive to rats' nails and scratches after I had to get a strong two week Amoxicillin treatment when I had underestimated a rat scratch near my eye. The entire upper part of my face from my eyes up had swollen, and my vision was limited to slits. Because it was so close to my brain I could have died in 24 hours if I had neglected to finally get it checked by a weekend emergency doctor. I also sterilise any scratches, no matter how shallow, with Dettol.

[@Emiology]

That’s so scary! I’ve started having a reaction just from being in the room with them without even touching them now 😞

[@firecat2382]

so sorry,

[@cherylbeswick7327]

I just tried to order the happy hamstery box and they don't ship to the UK 😭

[@Hellya38]

do you feed the snake with frozen dead mices?

[@Emiology]

Not when it’s an egg eating snake no

[@colleenandres3800]

Love the video but I have a question! I noticed at your store that You sell the mite treatment however I noticed it’s out of stock and I’m wondering how long it’s going to be before you have it back??

[@Emiology]

A lot of Beaphar products were out of production for a while but they should hopefully start coming back in stock in November 😊

[@lunar_eclipse5693]

Hi! So I am taking care of my friends rats so they are not mine but they have been fighting a lot and the smaller one bas lots of bites and scratches. What should I do?

[@Emiology]

Let your friend know they’re doing this but you may need to temporarily separate them for their safety until they’re back in their care and they can decide what they need to do eg. Neuter, try to reintroduce

[@lunar_eclipse5693]

I could try but i don’t have anything to separate them in could I just feed them separately?

[@Idkwhattopithere594]

is rat poo like dog poo like mushy?

[@Emiology]

Normally not too bad and it dries quickly

[@vantodd2857]

I have a male rat about a year old, and he had just got neutered when we got him (i think he was 3 weeks - a month old), and recently ive noticed signs of testosterone, and i even think i see something down there, so- is it possible that rats are able to grow back their jiggly bits?

[@Emiology]

It’s not possible, if he did truly get neutered at such a young age it’s possible they didn’t do it correctly, they’re still developing and growing at that young and it shouldn’t really be done until they’re around 3 months plus. If he has balls it’ll be pretty obvious in a rat, if you’ve only suddenly noticed something it could be an abscess or even a tumour instead but it’s hard to say without seeing him in person / a photo. Is there a chance that where you got him from could have lied about him being neutered? I don’t know many vets that would do it on a rat so young

[@vantodd2857]

@@Emiology When we got him, we picked him up from the place he was neutered, (it was a vet specifically for neutering), also his cagemate dobby is un-neutered, and comparing what they have down there bibbles (the rat in question) looks like he has jiggly bits but very VERY small, so they may have lied?, im not so sure, i'll look into if its a tumor or abscess though.

[@Serpent.Mistress]

R.I.P sweet Polo, so sorry for your loss Emi ❤

[@cherylbeswick7327]

So sorry for your loss. Thank you for always keeping it real ❤

[@dawncowan7009]

Fly high beautiful Polo 💜🌈🐀

[@DiamondAngelX]

I bought 2 of my rats at a breeder in the Netherlands, he calls himself "Boggle Buddies" 🐀😂🐁

[@Emiology]

Ha! Great minds think alike

[@FaithfulRattos]

Something very exciting happening next month! Hopefully the pets give you a break too!

[@Emiology]

Do you want a cameo on Novembers vlog 😂

[@FaithfulRattos]

@@Emiology I wouldn't be complaining 🤣

[@madelynrobinson4722]

i keep reading about how bad corn is (non fresh corn at least) for rats, so i’ve been trying to switch my girls food bc unfortunately corn is an ingredient in their mix, but it seems like every single mix i can find in stores seems to also have corn as an ingredient. what mix do you use for your boys?

[@Emiology]

I think regulations surrounding corn tends to be on how it’s stored in the US compared to the U.K. however a lot of mixes will just throw in a lot of dried corn as a filler. My boys are on a shunamite based mix that I buy from my friend on her store Ratcessories

[@sophieh8399]

I’m allergic to my rats too and also cats and dogs, i never used to be it sucks

[@Msslay-ve6xd]

I'm so sorry for your loss emi, I'm sure Polo was one of yoour many joys in your life rest in peace

[@cherylbeswick7327]

Ohhh can we have a mice update soon 🙌🙏🐭

[@colleenandres3800]

Rip polo!!! So so sorry!!

[@kellygalvin7775]

RIP Polo ❤

[@Smw006]

😭💔

[@TheoKemppainen]

..allergic to rats?! I'd die!

[@Emiology]

Felt like I was the other day when it progressed to my mouth / throat started swelling up 😳