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i dont know

blue

i dont know why he does this thing with his head like a twiching thing and he makes like this sneezeing sound but i dont think he is sick he eats and drinks fine his poop looks ok and i was wondering if this becuse hes in the cage with another rat

•   Derek McCoy says:

  November 02nd, 2008 at 06:35 AM

  Blue rats are notorious for having inhalent allergies and what youre describing is typical sneezing behavior for a domestic rat.  They should only be housed on a hypoallergenic bedding material like those made from recycled paper.   You should really never use  wood shavings with rats but especially not with a blue.  Some brand name options in the US are "Yesterdays News" and "CareFresh".  Both are made out of paper and are hypoallergenic and readilly available at most pet stores.  If changing to the proper bedding doesnt help, or you're already using one then you should watch to see if theres any discharge from the nose or eyes.  If not, then he's just a sneezer.  If you observe nasal discharge or watery eyes then take him to the vet to be examined for the possibility of a respiratory infection.  ~D

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• jesse says:

  November 02nd, 2008 at 02:08 PM

  yes they are useing carefresh the brown color one is there a beter brand i could use for them they both do it one more than the other but no water in there eyes or runnig nose i just worry about him

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•   Derek McCoy says:

  November 03rd, 2008 at 05:02 PM

  If he's on carefresh and theres no nasal or eye discharge then I really wouldnt worry.  Some rats just sneeze a lot.  ~D

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  South Texas Veterinary Specialists

  Our 19,000 square foot specialty referral practice in north central San Antonio is well known throughout South Texas as a leader in the fields of advanced diagnostics, surgery, critical care and internal medicine, as well as opthomology and orthopedics.