Her name was Daisy and I loved her to bits, she was the best pet, I can't stop crying. She was only 19 months old. She had been snuffly the last couple of days and a bit lethargic but i didn't realise it was so serious until i could hardly rouse her this morning. She had that porphrin (sp?) stuff on her nose but not loads and they both have that on and off sometimes anyway. I tried to take her to the vet this morn but she died before i could get her there. I feel really guilty because i think i should've taken her sooner. The other one (Poppy) was the same last week tho and she's fine now so i thought with Daisy being young and chubby she would be strong enough to fight it off on her own. I wish I'd taken her sooner so much now, but it's too late. She was a brilliant rat, so friendly and I'm absolutely gutted, I can't stop crying.

So sorry. It awful when you lose a loved pet. I dont know anything about Rats but i just wanted to say sorry. I would being a pet owner take poppy to the vets just for a check up it might put your mind at rest a bit. Wipe away those tears and think of all the funny things Daisy did.

Thanks Maisy, I've made an appointment for Poppy for this afternoon. Like I said she seems fine but after how awful i feel for not taking Daisy I'm not taking any chances.

I feel so sorry to hear this, partly because I have had pet rats and know how brilliant they are. What sort of rats are they? Mine were albino rats who eventually died of cancer because their ancestory was lab rats.

Do not feel blame for Daisy, bless her, the life expectancy is not that long for a domestic rat. Be happy that you had that time with her, they are truely special pets. And value Poppy. x

Sorry to hear about Daisy, it's heartbreaking when they go.

We've kept rats for years now and had to have our little Basil put to sleep earlier on today, as he was not happy and seemed to be on his last legs - his cage mate Tibbs had to be put to sleep just before Christmas because of an illness. They do make brilliant pets, it's just a shame they don't stay around a bit longer.

Thoughts are with you. I find the below forum really helpful in getting help on health issues:

http://www.fancy-rats.co.uk/community/

Please dont blame yourself, little creatures like these can go very quickly when they become ill. It's good that you're getting your other little friend checked out though just to head off any concerns.

Hi, thanks for your replies, Poppy and Daisy (RIP) are capped. Their bodies are white and they have grey on the top of their heas and a little dotted on their backs. Poopy is doing well, she still sounds a bit squeaky with her breathing but she's taking her meds and seems well, her coat isnt fluffed up or anything like that. I've contacted another breeder who has two rescue rats and I'm just waiting to hear back whether or not she thinks I'm suitable to re-home them. I think Poppy is missing rat company because she's a lot more cuddly than she used to be, she just wants to snuggle inside my jumper instead of exploring around.