My new rat Jiro (who I got yesterday) seems to be sneezing a lot. He acts normal (seems a little stressed) and has no red tears or snot. Im just worried but his chest sounds ok...is this normal?
Rats sneeze when they are introduced to a new environment. This is their way of adjusting. Btw, if you don't already have one, you really need to get another rat. They are social creatures and should never be kept alone.
rats often have allergies mine sneezes and wheezes. he is a freak but he is almost four, which is really old for a rat, and he has done it since i got him. i think it is pretty normal.
Agreed, you absolutely need to adopt a friend for him. Rats develop a LOT of problems when kept alone. They become extremely overweight, lethargic, and just a poor quality of life overall. With a friend, his cage (and him) will also be cleaner, as he'll have someone to groom him.
As for the sneezing, yes. Its completely normal. Rats have very sensitive noses, so going from one enviornment to another (or one brand of bedding to another) can make them sneeze a lot. You might also notice some red tears by morning, if so, don't worry.. its just stress and he'll be fine. Red tears and snot don't just mean the rat is sick, this also happens when they become stressed out.
I'm sure he's fine. But if your worried, just keep an eye on him for the next couple days. His sneezing should stop by day 2, but if it continues into the 3rd or 4th day it might be wise to call the vet. the main things to keep an eye out for are weezing, congestion (you'll hear it when they sneeze) gasping, and lack of activity.. altho, he may not want to play for a while simply because he's in a new enviornment.
Just give him time :) hope I helped.
As for the sneezing, yes. Its completely normal. Rats have very sensitive noses, so going from one enviornment to another (or one brand of bedding to another) can make them sneeze a lot. You might also notice some red tears by morning, if so, don't worry.. its just stress and he'll be fine. Red tears and snot don't just mean the rat is sick, this also happens when they become stressed out.
I'm sure he's fine. But if your worried, just keep an eye on him for the next couple days. His sneezing should stop by day 2, but if it continues into the 3rd or 4th day it might be wise to call the vet. the main things to keep an eye out for are weezing, congestion (you'll hear it when they sneeze) gasping, and lack of activity.. altho, he may not want to play for a while simply because he's in a new enviornment.
Just give him time :) hope I helped.
Ex Rat Rescue and Breeder for 8 years.
yes. i used to have a rat. she passed away a few years ago now. i only had one but i recommend 2 so it doesn't get lonely. sneezing sounds fine. but if you start to feel or see a lump comming up under the skin this i a tumor and is why i had to get my rat put down. rats have a short life span of no more than 4 years [mine only lasted 2] so try not to get to attached. but great pets and good luck. oh and do research on what not to feed them [i did not do this and i fed her lots of bad things like chocolate and icecream thats what caused the tumor]
Ex rat owner