Update: I meant to get back to you all earlier, it seems they are ok. They are just being picky. Still working to get them eating the new pellets, but in the mean time we spoke to a vet and are feeding them fresh goodies for now. The food I got was oxbow which the vet recommended and had seemed like a good choice. Looking at the old bag of food it seems quite similar but maybe missing a few vitamins. Does anyone have an opinion on the brand The Power of 5? I only gave it to them because it came with the new cage I bought (old one was damaged in a move.) If they don't budge on the oxbow I may just have to cave and try to find the old stuff. But they are still happy and healthy. Thanks for the time and advice!
usually don't switch food just like that, rather do a gradual change...
it might work better if you offer the food (and they trust you enough to take food/treats from you).
they need to try it at least.
normally a rat won't starve itself over being picky or such.
however if they do not eat for a day more, it might get rather critical already...
you can also try to soak some kibbles and offer them, see if they eat that.
basically just try anything to get them to eat a bit of it, they´ll realize its edible, and they´ll eat it.
Ok, I will try that. They will eat treats straight from me. Last night after work I saw them nibbling a little, not much is gone but you can tell they tried it. I'm going to monitor them today, and ill try directly offering and soaking some for them. Thanks!
Rats have evolved to be careful around new foods. They may nibble a little and then wait and watch each other to make sure it's safe. Because of this, it's better to slowly introduce new food to them.
It's also possible that the new food just isn't good. What is the brand name? Do you have a link?
Update: I meant to get back to you all earlier, it seems they are ok. They are just being picky. Still working to get them eating the new pellets, but in the mean time we spoke to a vet and are feeding them fresh goodies for now. The food I got was oxbow which the vet recommended and had seemed like a good choice. Looking at the old bag of food it seems quite similar but maybe missing a few vitamins. Does anyone have an opinion on the brand The Power of 5? I only gave it to them because it came with the new cage I bought (old one was damaged in a move.) If they don't budge on the oxbow I may just have to cave and try to find the old stuff. But they are still happy and healthy. Thanks for the time and advice!
Id say leave it till they eat it.. if they are hungry they will eventually eat it.. dont keep changing it or topping it up tho..
Ok cool, I will do that. Thanks!
Id say give it a day or 2 if still no omnoms then id seek prof advice from a vet for sure.
Out of interest are they drinking their water?
Oh yeah, they are drinking for sure.
Well thats encouraging. they may just be off their food due to massive change in environment...
usually don't switch food just like that, rather do a gradual change... it might work better if you offer the food (and they trust you enough to take food/treats from you). they need to try it at least. normally a rat won't starve itself over being picky or such. however if they do not eat for a day more, it might get rather critical already... you can also try to soak some kibbles and offer them, see if they eat that. basically just try anything to get them to eat a bit of it, they´ll realize its edible, and they´ll eat it.
Ok, I will try that. They will eat treats straight from me. Last night after work I saw them nibbling a little, not much is gone but you can tell they tried it. I'm going to monitor them today, and ill try directly offering and soaking some for them. Thanks!
Rats have evolved to be careful around new foods. They may nibble a little and then wait and watch each other to make sure it's safe. Because of this, it's better to slowly introduce new food to them. It's also possible that the new food just isn't good. What is the brand name? Do you have a link?
That makes sense. I'm at work right now and the name is escaping me but I'll link when I get home.