Rats sneezing constantly?

Question

I recently bought two female rats from Petco two days ago. They're both sneezing constantly, there isn't any discharge coming from their eyes, nose, or mouth and I use Care Fresh bedding. Is there reason for concern and if so what should be done? Thanks much!

Answer 1

Even though it's new maybe the bedding is giving them allergies? Ask PETCO what they used in their cages.

Answer 2

We have a 20 mo. old male rat and all we have used is paper torn in strips when we first got him he had the same problem my wife found a book at the Petco on rats.

Answer 3

Hmm... I wonder. Were the rats on Care Fresh bedding when they were at Petco? If not, they're just adjusting to the new bedding. It's probably the bedding. Change to a different bedding and maybe in a few days the sneezing will end.

Answer 4

there could be something about the bedding or the air that could be harmful in the cage

Answer 5

My rats did that too when we got them. Two female rats from Petsmart, but they got over it within a couple months. It was just stress oriented, there shouldn't be anyting to worry about if there isn't any discharge from it's nose or eyes.

Answer 6

They could be allergic to the bedding, or something in their cage.

Carefresh bedding can get particularly dusty sometimes, so switch to a different undusty bedding and see how it turns out. Wood shavings, like aspen, do not get very dusty so you can try that for a while. Or a cheaper alternative is shredded paper.

Answer 7

They may have been exposed to a cold at Petco.  It's normal for a rat to sneeze now and then, just like people but they shouldn't be sneezing so much now.  Is Care Fresh bedding natural?  I always used the soft pine shaving bedding and the rats didn't have a problem.  Maybe try a different bedding and see if the sneezing stops.  Make sure their cages are in a clean environment also without dust.  Also, if there are birds around the bird's feathers have dust that could cause sneezing.  I hope that helps and good luck to you and your rats.