The Rat Lovers Club! ~MODS PLEASE LOCK!

[TheForumFairy]

im not dignifying that statement D:

[MochaTheLlama]

Okay, so Zeus is beginning to develop some red crust around his eyes, and I just clean it out with a damp towel, but does anyone know why he is getting red crust? Maybe from his eyes watering? Or, I heard someone say it's pretty much mucus.... how do I deel with this?

Another question, are sugar cookies okay for rats? Because once every two week's I'll give Zeus a TINY, I really emphasize the word tiny, peice of the cookie. I don't want him to get even more sick though!

[TheForumFairy]

normaly no but i think its fine my rat got a lick of chocolate once

[rachaelandrats]

The red is called porphyrin which rats get when they are sick or stressed most of the time. Some of them are prone to it when they just wake up, or it could be the start of an eye infection. I wouldn't clean it with a damp cloth, that might cause more harm than good.

Are you planning on getting him company anytime soon?
Some ratties that I've had alone have had porphyrin... sad/stressed rather than sick.

[Kiliann]

Okay, so Zeus is beginning to develop some red crust around his eyes, and I just clean it out with a damp towel, but does anyone know why he is getting red crust? Maybe from his eyes watering? Or, I heard someone say it's pretty much mucus.... how do I deel with this?

My favorite website for rats covers this! http://www.firstrats.tripod.com

"If you see red liquid or crust on your rats eyes or nose, chances are it is not blood but poryphin. This is a mucus (like snot) rats produce when stressed or sick. They also can get red tears while they are asleep and wipe it off when they wake up. Poryphin by itself is no cause for alarm, but if it is excessive look for the source of it. Like sneezing, poryphin discharge can be caused by many things, stress, illness, eye irritation, allergies, etc."

No need to worry! Zeus is fine.

[rachaelandrats]

He probably is but porphyrin doesn't just appear for no reason, it is a sign of stress and illness. They do sometimes have it when they sleep, but not always.

[Kiliann]

Really? My babies have it a lot. I sure hope they aren't really stressed or anything, they seem fine right now.

[broker]

Our ratties normally get it when we forget to let them run around. /getting exercise/ Miss one day and the redness breaks out. :c Poor babes.

[MochaTheLlama]

Oh no! :c

Yes, I do plan on getting him a buddy. My mom keeps complaining on how it will stink more, but it's in my room so why does she care? Anyways, what ticks me off more is she agree's to let me get two FEMALES next time, what's wrong with males? Anyways! Should I get him a buddy that younger than him or older? It's just hard to find a good rat somewhere that's being sold alone and is his age. I just don't want to get him an older one though because what if it passes away and he gets depressed again, but if I get a younger, what do I do when Zeus passes?

[Kiliann]

Well, if your cage is big enough, get two buddies for Zeus! Then when Zeus passes, they'll still have each other.