Red Crusty Stuff

Question
Hi,

Sorry to bother you with a question about this red mucus. I am looking after two rats for my friend whilst he is on holiday, I've been looking after them for 5 days now and I'm concerned that something is wrong. Both rats have the red/brown crusty stuff around their eyes, and one of them wont open its eye. I've read that it can be down to stress, could this be because they have come to my house or illness. Can you advise me on what to do, my friend isn't back for another week, should I take them to the vet?

Thanks =)
Anna

Answer
Hello Anna,
yes red goop around a rats eyes can mean stress or illness. Since there are so mny things that could be going on, I would personally take them to a vet. Did the rats have the goop when you got them? They could be stressing out over their new home as well, but since one is unable to open it's eye the vet is the best place to go.