Male rat shaking head

Question
Hi,

I have written to you numerous times about my rats and you've always been a massive help.

I have a male rat named Simba, he's nearly a year old. The last few days I have noticed he has been shaking his head quite often.

I have looked in his ears and they look fine. He was a little congested the other day so I put him in the bathroom with some steam to clear him up and he's been fine since.

He's a very nervous rat and he seems to do it more when I hold him (he doesn't like being held for long)I never see him do it in his cage!

Could it be a sign of illness? he shakes more towards his left ear if that makes sense?

Thanks,

Amanda x

Answer
I am so sorry for the delay. Right now I have been playing catch up with answering people on here (over 25 people so far) because my computer had and still is recovering from a nasty virus. I am working in safe mode right now.  ACK!


Anyhow, sounds like Simba may have an ear ache due to infection. I would take him in to have the vet look at him.  

Is he still doing it?? (since it took me 10 years to write back! LOL)