Do your rats sway?

[veggiegirl]

I've been worried about Squeak because she has been doing this weird swaying back and forth thing a lot lately. She does it the most when I let her out of her cage. I thought something might be wrong so I did an internet search. I found out that rats who sway are just trying to adjust their vision. Its most common in rats with pink or ruby eyes (like Squeak) because they have poorer vision than the dark eyed ones. I'm so happy that she's ok! Do any of you guys have rats that sway?

[SugarLovesRats]

Yupper!! I have several that do it. It is not only because of vision that they do it. It can also be a sign of contentment!!

[veggiegirl]

Quote: Originally Posted by SugarLoveRats It can also be a sign of contentment!!

Really? Interesting! I think Squeak does it because of her vision, because she does it at times when she is excited/nervous.

[Southpaw]

My guys do it all the time, but they're PEWs so it makes more sense to me. I actually don't think I ever would have noticed, but before I got rats I had read things about it so it really stuck out when I saw them do it.

[Padfoot]

Well.. as you know.. I don't have rats.. but I have a gerbil that does it! LOL.. Phoebe, who is a REW does it, but she swings from side to side. She looks very funny!

[Christy]

Yup, rats don't have very good depth perception and the weaving back and forth helps them to judge distance. Most red or ruby eyed rats do the head sway, but I've had several black eyed rats do it too.