Pet Rat making Clucking sound

Question
Help!!!  I've had a rescue rat for 3 months.  I was told he was about one year old at the time.  He sneezes a lot, although it has reduced bit since we first
got him.  It doesn't seem to be a big deal, so I have not done anything about it.  I decided he needed a buddy, so 3 days ago I purchased a baby rat from the pet store.  The woman working with me said she was the breeder.  The baby
seemed fine, although he has been sneezing like crazy.  I thought maybe it was just the breed (Dumbo).  They are in separate cages but right next to each other.  They have played a couple of times.  Suddenly today my original rat started making a horrible clucking type sound when he is bruxing or chewing.  Seems to be coming from the nose. Almost a slight gurgle even, I'm not sure.  I am terrified something is wrong.  I think the baby infected him or something.  No other unusual symptoms except he was sleeping and would not wake up which has never happened before.  I had to grab him to wake him up, and he still seemed drowsy.  Came out of it, but still weird. So far no change in eating habits, etc.  There are no vets in my area that treat rats.  What can I do?  Do I need to treat both?  Help!!  I am in love with this rat!!  I want to get this taken care of before it is too late!


Answer
JoJo


For starters, keep in mind all new rats, no matter how healthy they look or where you got them from, they should be quarantined for 3 full weeks in another room nowhere near your existing rat.  Here is info on this and why you should be done:

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/thequarantinepage.htm

However, its too late now since they have been in the same airspace. One thing though is that if your original rat is sick, it did not get it from the new baby rat. It would be way too soon for symptoms to show.  These things can take up to a week or more to show up so no worries that the new rat gave anything to the old rat.  
As for the type of rat you have, which is a dumbo; they are no different than than standard eared rats. Dumbo rats dont live longer or have a shorter life span, they are not more friendly or unfriendly etc...it all depends on the breeder.  

As for vets, I have a way to find a vet to treat your rats all I need is your location (zip code) and I can find a vet for you to see your rat. Treatment usually requires medication only a vet can supply. It sounds like your rat has a respiratory infection which can turn to pneumonia it it remains untreated.