New rats -sneezing and red rat poo.

Question
hi im a first time owner of rats and last week got two female rats from a store both have eaten the same things but one has began to poo red it isn't a blood color she also seems to sneeze more than the other  i have changed her type of bedding and this hasn't seemed to make a difference she is very happy eating well and friendly my daughter loves her just wondering if i should be worrying or not

Answer
Dear Rhiannon,

I am so sorry this message got misplaced. Yes, bring her to the vet. The sneezing could be a respiratory infection, and a vet can tell you all sorts of things about rat poop color that I can't. :)

Congratulations on your new rats. Are you on Facebook? You can join a rat and mouse group I run called Rats are Awesome.

In fact, if you join, tell me who you are, and post your question, you may be able to save yourself a trip to the vet because we have some very knowledgeable people in the group. However, a vet visit is a great idea anyway with pet store rats. They can be sick with all sorts of things that a first time owner won't recognize. But join the group anyway. I guarantee we have resources for anything rat you want to know!

Squeaks n giggles,

Natasha