MY RAT HAS SORE EYES

Question
Hi,

I have 2 10 week old female rats, one of them has what looks like dried blood around its eyes, the other rat is not affected. She is eating & playing as normal & doesnt seem to scratch her eyes at all.  if you have any ideas on what this could be or what i can do to help please could you email me.  thanks.

Also, i have only ever kept rats on their own before as a child so am not used to seeing 2 together. I was told that keeping 2 together is kinder for the rats, so when my children wanted rats i got 2 - they play a lot but also seem to fight sometimes - im not sure if this is play fighting? it never results in any damage (only the odd squeak) to either rat & when sleeping they always snuggle up together.  is this normal or do they not like each other!!!??!!

Thank you

Answer
Hi Vikki

Your little rat has what is called "porphyrin" around her eyes. It appears to be blood but it isnt. Porphyrin is produced by a gland located behind the rats eyes.  It produces more when the rat is stressed from illness or other factors that is causing anxiety. If she is new to your home, this could be the reason.

 Please check out the link to my website about this and also compare photos so you can tell me for sure if that is what your rat has.

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

Is she congested? Does she sneeze at all?

How long have you had her?

As for the other rat and the fact they play fight, this is also normal. Females and males both love to chase, roll around and fight and push and shove each other etc...

Do you have a safe play area for them too?  Check out the page on my site called GETTING STARTED for ideas on making a safe rat play area for them.

Also what kind of diet are they on and what kind of bedding do you use?