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My Rat makes a Weird Noise?

7K views 9 replies 4 participants last post by  CrWoodyspets 
#1 ·
My older rat, Da Vinci, has been making some noises...:confused:

The first one that started up was a type of chirp. It felt like he was coughing or hiccuping, and it only lasted at the most about 30 seconds. He's not done it in a while though, only once or twice in the beginning when I had him. Could it just be hiccups? (please?)

Also, about two weeks ago, he's been making this croaking noise (it's hard to explain..). He only does it in playtime, as I've listened for it other-wise. Could this just be due to excitement? It may be coming from his nose (he'd stop once I'd pick him up, so it's hard to pinpoint) or his mouth...

He's no different from when I first brought him home. He's happy, he eats, drinks, and plays. No porphyrin from anywhere.

He isn't on pine or cedar bedding.

He doesn't seem lethargic at all...He tends to sleep whenever I put him in the cage, but he'll pop right up if I shake the treat box, or open the door and talk to him. He's playful and likes to skip and spazz after I tickle him... :)

I'm worried because I don't think our vet is specialized in Exotics...Even then, I don't know the price of anything he'd need medicine-wise..so if it is any sickness, any "home remedies" would be great...

Thank You in Advance! I'm hoping for the best.:beg
 
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#2 ·
Is he still making noises?

It sounds like he was just getting acclimated to the new place. A lot of rats can get a bit sneezy when they are introduced into a new house.

When rats get excited they will chatter and grind their teeth. As long as they don't do it too much then they are fine.

As long as there is no porphorin or discharge or coughing or sneezing then he's probably good to go.
 
#3 ·
Well, he still does the "croaking" or "oinking" as it kinda sounds. :p It's a low pitched grunt almost? So hard to explain! If I didn't know anything about rats, it would seem like something he'd do, not a worrisome thing.

I just don't want him to get really sick. Today I'll stop by our vet to see if they know anything about rats and if they could help.

Thanks for the reply Pinkie, you made me feel more at ease. :)
 
#4 ·
First, you should find a vet that is qualified to treat rats. Just find one, you don't necessarily have to make an appointment. An emergency is NOT the time to be looking for a vet, at that point you should already know who to call.

Second, from what I know hiccups are ok as long as they are silent. Squeaking and chirping with the hiccups are signs of respiratory issues. It may not be serious by itself if they have no other signs of illness though. It's hard to know if the grunting noise something that should be a concern without hearing it. I think I had a rat that did that once and he was healthy. If you are worried then a trip to the vet might be in order.
 
#5 ·
I did go down and they do have one available (I was surprised, actually) - I just have to call in first, since there's only one.

Once I get my check - which is soon - I'll make an appointment for Da Vinci to be looked at.

(watch him NOT make the sound once we're in the vets!)

Any advice on how to keep him calm? I've never taken any of my rattys to the vets (they've never made weird noises!).
 
#6 ·
I usually bring a few cheerios in my pocket to try and distract them. Sometimes they'll eat them, sometimes they are too freaked out. I let them stay in their carrier except when they are actually being examined as they feel more secure there. I've only had one that didn't poop and pee everywhere during the exam. They will be scared but it's for their own good and they will calm down soon enough. When you get home just put them in their cage and leave them alone for a few hours and they'll forget all about it.
 
#9 ·
I called them yesterday. Apparently the only Rat specialist is on vacation, and won't be back until the end of August, early September. So I'll have to wait until then. >.< He doesn't sound any better, nor worse. He seems to do it less often, but I still want him checked out.
 
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