Sneezing and squeaking

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bluerose

New Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2018
Messages
3
Location
Ky
i got two female rats from the same litter. I got them days apart as I thought only having one was ok then learned different and went back and got her sister. She was ok the first few days but now she is sneezing and starting to squeak a little. She is very skiddish and will try to run from me when being petted. I called around close to where I live and no one sees rats. Now I am scared I won’t be able to find a vet to see her if she is sick. I tried to video her sneezing but the file is to large. She seems to sneeze way more when I am trying to get her used to being held and petted. When I am handling her she will sneeze and squeak. I really love these girls and want to be a good rat mommy. I am new to all this and worried I may loose one or both of them to Illness
 
You can upload the video to YouTube and then post the link on here.
Rats normally sneeze when they get to a new home because of the difference in air, and it sound like that's what your little one is experiencing. The sneezing and squeaking when being held sounds like she is just nervous around you and doesn't trust you quite yet. Try to introduce yourself to her gradually and let her come to you instead of picking up and holding her when she is uncomfortable. Bribing her to come to you with treats will help, and letting her get used to you gradually will also be good.
 
I am putting chicken baby food on my fingers and letting her eat it off me while I gently rub her head and down her back while I talk to her. Tonight she started to act curious when I was talking to her and even engage in play with her sister after I put her back in the cage instead of hiding in the corner.
 
That's great! Squeaking when being touched seems to either be a sign of fear or pain in rats. If she isn't showing any other signs of pain such as dull eyes and puffy, coarse-looking fur, then it is most likely just fear and will get better as she gets comfortable.
 
Sounds like things may be ok, but keep an eye on her, new home sneezes do not get worse and go away, so if it gets worse or doesn't go stop within several days, then she may be ill

You are right to be concerned about vets.
You need to find a good vet that either has the knowledge and experience to treat rats or is willing to learn.
Rats get ill and by the time you realise they are ill, you are well into a medical emergency and need to see a vet immediately. Vet care and medications are essential

You will also want to consider getting the girls spayed for health reasons if you can find a good vet with the experience and knowledge to safely spay rats
 
A new home is stressful on rats, that could be all that is happening with your new friend. Give her time to get to know her space and you.
But I would definitely try to call around to find a vet because at some point, you will need one.
 
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