My rat makes chirping sounds?

Question

Hello! My rat Rex (about 7 months old), makes chirping sounds.. Its definitely not bruxing. Sounds kind of like a baby bird I guess.. Is this normal? I've never heard of rats doing this before.

Answer 1

It could be a respiratory illness. It's common in adult rats. Our ratties went through a stage of the sneezes when they were babies, but in older rats it IS a bad thing. You have Cedar bedding in the cage? That's toxic to them, and quite dusty. I would suggest shredded newspaper (with soy ink) as bedding, especially if you get newspapers daily. Check your rat's breathing. Does it sound raspy or wheezy? If it does, take it to the vet. I hope that this helps, and good luck!

Answer 2

Hi! =)

I'd guess that it is the start of a respritory desease. What bedding is he on? Pine and cedar can cause this, and Care-fresh is even know to do this because of the dust. Fabric as bedding work well, and it's pretty. You can clean up her raisins (Poo) daily, and wash it once a week.

I would suggest going to your vet, or if you don't have one, it would be a good idea to have one. Get a check up and see if she does have something going on. If so, just talk with you vet on what you can do.

Good luck!

Edit: It may happen more when he is excited because he is breathing/sniffing more in order to figure out what you have. (The treats) That would make it sound more if a desease is starting. (Crackly breath, stuffy noses, sneezing)

Answer 3

was it placed close to a bird when u got it maybe a learned behavior

Answer 4

My rat used to do that when she was excited.