Through the course of our experiments, we have encountered many strange phenomena regarding our rats. We have found, however, that many of our mysteries are easily explained, and that which puzzled us was often simple. Please keep checking this section, as we will be adding information periodically as our knowledge increases.
Red Discharge from Aargh's Eyes-(updated by Emily) This problem was first noticed by us on 3/22/01. The condition occurred after we had also noticed his worm infestation, and we were concerned that his eyes were oozing blood. We have since learned that rat's mucus is naturally a red color due to a substance present in it called PORPHYRIN. The increased secretion of this is caused in the rat's response to stress and undue worry. Even though it may also be aggravated by an illness, it is common under stress. With this knowledge, we are able to see that Aargh was often stressed out due to our increased handling of him, and this could have caused the reaction. We also believe that the timing of the secretion occurred at this time due to the fact that we had been constantly swabbing him and fussing over his worm problem, which must not have made him happy. At this point at my house, he is happy and tear free. Mystery solved...
Eek and Fump Swaying their Heads-(updated by Emily)- Due to the fact that I have had many rats in my life, I have been puzzled as to the reason why they always seem to sway their heads from side to side when they are looking at me. When Eek and Fump began this behavior, I decided to find the answer. This phenomenon occurs mostly in white rats with red eyes. These rats naturally have poor eyesight, and their swaying is done in an attempt to correct their vision. Due to the fact that rats are nearsighted, the swaying of their heads helps them to distinguish objects in front of them. By moving, the objects also appear to move, and they can determine what it is in front of them. However, it is also known that what the rats lack in eyesight they make up for in smell and hearing. Hence the mystery of the swaying rats is at long last solved...
Teeth chattering(updated by Jenn)- If a rat is baring it's teeth and arching it's back when it chatters it's teeth. It means LEAVE ME ALONE !!!!!! But rats also chatter their teeth for a completly different reason. If a rat is just doing it for no apparent reason then (would you believe it) it's telling you that it's happy. Teeth chattering is the ratty version of purring ! This was found HERE.