How often do rats or hamsters get lice ?

I might be getting one of them so its good to know. Does it happen often. Can they get it easily ?How often do rats or hamsters get lice ?
My girlfriend said my hamsters got lice from a tractor seat.How often do rats or hamsters get lice ?
As often as they come into contact with it, which is almost never.





- Do you already have a lice problem in your house?


- Are you using second-hand rat/hammy gear that may have been used by a lice-infested pet?


- Take a look at the rats/hammies before you bring them home. Do they already have lice?


- Will the rats/hammies go outdoors (this would be a bit silly)?


- Will the rats/hammies be in contact with other pets (particularly outdoor pets or pets you don't own)?





If the answer to all of the above points is no, they will probably never get lice. On the off chance they do, it's not difficult to deal with.
If you don't freeze your bedding prior, or if you interact a lot with other rats/hamsters that aren't your own, you run the risk. It's not -that- common (I've only had one mites outbreak in the last year) but it happens. A vet visit + Revolution has never cost me over $40 though.
It's not an ''often'' thing, and many will go through their lives without dealing with lice/mites/etc.





Research the leading causes of lice/mites/etc, and find a good vet that can get you Revolution if you need it.





PS. If you get rats, you should get more than just one, of course.
It is possibly they can get lice easily. To prevent this there is a lice and tick medicene you can buy or be sure to brush them fairly often. They will not get it alot if you take good care of them! Keep them clean and good luck!!





-Max
I've owned quite a few pet rats and some mice as pets throughout the years. Right now we have 10 pet rats.


I've never had a problem of any rats or mice having lice.