Noises, what's normal?

[louder]

I have a pet rat that is about 2 months old. I bought her from PetSmart at the beginning of February.
She's noisy. She squeaks a lot! We just thought it was the cutest thing ever but now when I read the other forums I'm worried that it's the "hiccuping" noise. How do you determine what's normal and what isn't?

 

[ryelle]

i dont think hiccuping makes a noise.

its ok for a rat to squeak i have an oldy that squeaks when i pick him up

 

[Moon]

It depends on what you mean by squeaking. Actual physical squeaks are one thing, when they're nervous and you pick them up unexpectedly, that sort of thing. If it is a squeaky noise while they are breathing, that's a sign of an upper respiratory infection.

Some people think hiccuping can be a sign of a myco flare up, but actual hiccups can happen without them being ill. If it's happening often, then you should be worried.

http://www.ratbehavior.org/ Is a great website, and covers vocalizations, with sound clips. Those would be fairly normal noises to hear, other noises might require a trip to the vet.

 

[jorats]

If you hear noises like squeaking when she's by herself with no one bothering her, I would be concerned.

 

[louder]

If you hear noises like squeaking when she's by herself with no one bothering her, I would be concerned.

Usually the only time she does it is when we are not in the room.
What might be the problem?

 

[louder]

I did a little research, and it sounds like the noise they make when stressed.
But, I don't really know why she might be stressed.
I do know that her cage is to small. I didn't know until I was reading on this site, but it's about 2ft wide, 1 ft back, and 2ft high. She has a house and some chew toys, food, water, and some tubes for playing in.
I mean to get her a new cage, but I'm lost as to what she needs.

She comes out of her cage for about 35 min a day, runs around in a ball, or on the bed, or just snuggles. She sometimes makes noises when we are holding her, but they are much softer, more contented. The ones I'm worried about are a loud squeak. Just one and then it doesn't happen again for maybe an hour or two.

I feel bad, but I just got what the pet store said to get, and do for her.
I don't really know what else to do.

Can you give me some recommendations on cages and accessories and how else to destress her?

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

I would reccommend getting her a friend and that should help her to not stress out when she is alone in her cage.

 

[mercurydust]

Jeez which Petsmart did you get this girl at? Did they suggest a hamster ball? Rats should never be made to run in a ball! Eesh! I would take her into a vet for a check up. As for a cage-I would try to get her something that is marketed towards a ferret. I am not telling you to spend 300 dollars, but take a look on your local craigslist and search for cages for sale-you can get great cages for a great price, and your girly will not care if the cage is used. How long have you had this little one? Does she sneeze at all-are her squeaks more like sneezes? Or are the noised more raspy and sound like a person with a nose cold sounds...taking her to a vet is the best bet. Then after she gets a clean bill of health and a bigger cage, I would invest in another rattie girl so she can have a friend.

 

[louder]

This is in Colorado.
She has a hamster type ball, but it's huge. Like a foot wide, they said it would be good.
The noises aren't like sneezes or coughs/cold sounds.
They are just like if you ran your finger on a wet glass and it squeaks. Does that make sense?
I've had her for about 2 months now. I just recently found out (as in like 3 days ago). that maybe the noises were a problem, as well as the cage being to small.

 

[eagle]

Def need to get a bigger cage and a friend. I would highly recommend not using the ball. You can take it apart and turn it into a bed. Does she make the noise while inside the ball at all? The balls do not offer enough ventilation. I have one of my girls that squeaks/chatters all the time.

 

[jorats]

The noise they make when stressed would be teeth grinding. Bruxxing is the only sound they should make unless they squeak in protest or when hurt.

I too recommend getting a bigger cage and a buddy.