Pet Rat Making Clucking Noise

Question
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.  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 cage but right next to each other.  They have played a couple 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. I am terrified something is wrong.  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!!

ANSWER: frequent, persistant sneezing in a young rat is never usually just "the breed". Dumbos differ from other rats simply by ear type, not in any other way.. kinda like how blondes shouldn't sneeze anymore than brunettes do.

You need to find a vet and take them both in. Most likely the baby had a respiratory infection and gave it to your other rat.

Good luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I admit my comment about the sneezing seemed ridiculous, but he only seems to sneeze when he's really excited, so I thought it was a personality thing.  I feel kind of sick now, as he has apparently been ill since before I even got him.  I hope it's not too late. The sound is really killing me.  He seems "normal" other than this but a bit drowsier than usual.  I did find a vet, I am racing in at 7 a.m. tomorrow. Thanks again!

Answer
its not silly really at all :) Many people remark about a personality difference between dumbos and standards but all-in-all, its not a difference at all.. just coincidence. Rats are very prone to respiratory infections, in fact, all rats other than labratory bred/born rats are born with mycoplasmosis, the leadingmost cause of respiratory infections. Don't fret! I'm sure the vet will help you out. Best luck :)