Rats and Respiratory Disease...

[Caxis]

What are the symptoms of this disease?

[Uabassoon]

I got this from Rats Rule (www.ratsrule.com)

• Wheezing or noises while breathing
• Excessive sneezing
• Porphyrin staining (red discharge) around nose and eyes

Advanced symptoms may include:
• Labored breathing or gasping
• Lethargy
• Drop in body temperature
• Disinterest in food or water
• Loss of coordination
• Noticeable weight loss

[Caxis]

All I've noticed is that she sneezes quite a bit (Mainly at night time) and that she is lighter then our other Rat.

I also would like to know what a good temperature for Rats is (If you can, please make in it Centigrade)

EDIT: I think I might have found out the problem..

It could be because we use Pine shavings, and that website says Pine and Cedar shavings are not good for Rats.

[Desert Arabian]

Yep, it is from the pine bedding. Pine and cedar bedding can kill rats. Take your rats to the vet, asap, the oils from the bedding have most likely damaged their respiratory system.


Change bedding immediately. Aspen shavings, old t-shirts, and old towels are other types of good bedding for rats.

[Caxis]

Thanks YellowLabLover,

We have lots of old clothes for them. I was also wondering what would make good toys for them, I take out their excersice wheel at night time (No one can sleep) and I don't like it how they have nothing to do at night...