RE:

Question
We bought two pet rats from the same breeder and both were perfectly healthy we have had them for about 5 weeks now, however both of the rats died very suddenly within a few days of each other, we have 6 other rats all of whom have been fine.

Just before the rats died they showed signs as though they were choking and they were also jerking erratically. We did not have a chance to take either to the vets as they died within an hour.

We only feed them fresh fruit and vegetables and they only drink fresh water, they are kept in clean cages.

We wish to know how our ratties died? :(

If you have any idea of the cause to their deaths please let us know, cheers.

Answer
Sounds like they had respiratory related illnesses. Did you notice if they had problems at all, perhaps something you did not accept as a sign of illness, such as  loss of appetite, lethargy, weight loss, laying in places they usually dont lay, laying on ledges with their heads hanging over the ledges (helps them breathe easier, porphryin  discharge that is secreted more than usual, Piloerection (when their fur stands out on ends, making the rat to appear larger)

Please check out sandyscrittercity.com for more info.

I am going to give an educated guess since  you seem to want closure, but the possibility that your rats died from pneumonia is very high. There is a nasty bacteria called streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal) that can turn into a very nasty contagious and possibily fatal within 24 to 48 hrs type of pneumonia.  If the rat is not treated aggressively, they dont stand a chance. The bad thing is, it comes on so fast its not usually picked up by the rat owner  since rats are famous for hiding illnesses. Do you have a good vet? How are your other rats acting?