The just give them the water.

I will keep the rat lecture to myself. KILL THEM ALL!!!!!

LSY likes to use steel wool around the stem. He swears by it. Nugs is also right. Superthrive is a great idea. And wrap the damaged stem.

Establish a rat feeding and watering station in the bush. If you keep them fed and watered they will leave your plants alone.

And that is some of the worst advise I have given in a while