How to make a Nebulizer Chamber for your Rat or Small Pet

This is really easy, relatively cheap and very useful to have on hand when your rat or small pet gets wheezy or congested. This time of year is notorious for upper respiratory distress in our pets, changes in the humidity outside along with us cranking up the central heating dry out the air in our homes making us all more susceptible to seasonal sniffles.

This time last year I had 18 very poorly rats in quarantine.  They had a form of pneumonia which was treated with antibiotics around the clock and it was also recommended to nebulize 2-3 times per day.  I happened to have been given a home nebulizer, so I fashioned a ratty nebulizer chamber so that I could give treatments to several rats at one time.  I'm happy to say that I got the rats well and only lost one but that was actually before I managed to start treatments.

So here is what you will need:
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16qt Storage Container
or suitable size for your small pet

Nebulizer Compressor and Mouthpiece Kit

These cost about $35, sometimes less if you shop around.  I found this one here ​

Replacement mouthpiece sets are also sold separately

X-acto Knife & Duct Tape

You are basically going to hold the end of the mouthpiece up to the short end of the storage box about an inch below the lid and draw around it.  This will mark the hole you need to cut out, and where the mouth piece will be pushed through into the box.  Secure the mouthpiece in the hole with duct tape.  

When you get ready to nebulize your rat, put a small amount of DUST FREE BEDDING in the bottom of the container.  I prefer Kaytee Clean and Cozy for this purpose - I do not recommend Carefresh as it has been known to contain baking soda which is itself a dust! 

You will need NORMAL STERILE SALINE.  You can purchase from the pharmacy or use something like this:

The recommended amount is about 2ml of Saline and nebulize for about 15 minutes 2 - 3 times per day.  What this does is loosen and thin the mucus secretions so that your rat can expel them when he/she sneezes.  It also moisturizes the mucus membranes to help ease irritation.  Unlike warm steam (bathroom treatments often recommended by peers) this is a cold sterile mist and will not encourage the growth of bacteria.

As with all recommendations for treatment- CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN before you start.  State that you have a home nebulizer and if such treatments would be beneficial to your pet.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to shoot me a PM or comment on this post.