Suddenly jumpy, hyper rat.

Question
I have two female rats and one has always been a bit timid while the other is completely friendly and sweet. One night the friendly and sweet one was suddenly running on the wheel a lot (not typical of her). When I went to feed them she jumped head first into the glass and wouldn't let me pick her up. She just kept jumping and acting scared and strange. Once I got her out and on my shoulder the slightest move made her jump and she wouldn't move and sniff around like usual. I could see her heart beating very quickly. When I tried to put her back in she jumped out and over and wouldn't let me put her in. All of these things are very abnormal for her typical behavior. She's usually very social and well behaved.

Answer
She may be trying to tell you that something is wrong. I would take her into a vet. If she were just jumpy in the cage or did it once every 4-5 days, I would say it was a heat reaction. Some females do get jumpy and super sensitive when they are in heat, but they will also dance around and present their rear as well. I would take her in to the vet, just to be on the safe side. Explain to the vet that she has been acting very unusual. It is possible, however unlikely, that she is picking up behaviors from her cagemate, but that would change once she is not around her, like on your shoulder. So, my advice, would be to see a vet and see if she might be sick. I would also have her heart checked out as well because it is possible that what you saw was a mild heart attack, since rats do panic when they have a heart attack. A stroke can be ruled out since she did not become lethargic afterwards, but it does sound like something serious that needs to be checked out and treated. Honestly, from the description, I would lean towards heart issues, but not seeing the rat in person, nor having never met her, I can not say for sure. Your best bet is to have a vet check her and ask the vet to check her heart for issues as well.

Tami
Social Rats Adoption and Rescue - Chicago, IL