Deciphering the behavior of dumbo rats as pets can be quite challenging, especially for new owners. However, it is very important that rat owners take the time to learn what some of their rat’s behaviors might be trying to tell them. Here are some common ways they behave and what they can mean for you.
gnashing of teeth
Also known as “witching” or “chattering,” pet rats do this to wear down their own teeth. Since your pet rat’s teeth continue to grow for the rest of their lives, this turns out to be necessary to prevent excessive growth, which can cause them health problems. Other reasons for grinding teeth in rats would be during times of stress or, antithesis, during relaxation.
chirp
This is one way that rats vocalize their mild disapproval. For example, some rats may squeak a little when you pick them up, which represents their preference to leave them alone. They may also yell at other rats who might have a tendency to brush them beyond their liking. Longer chirps mean more stress, and a screeching-like chirp will mean great distress.
whistle
Rats often hiss when in a tense situation, such as facing another threatening rat or even one of your other household pets.
Amazing
A rat’s eyes may appear to vibrate within their sockets or bulge out and then re-enter. This is the result of extreme bruxism or teeth grinding as it begins to affect the eyes as well. But don’t worry, because this is usually associated with pleasure or great relaxation in rats.
moving ear
The movement of the ears in rats usually occurs in females. This is easily one of the signs that they are in heat. It is sometimes suggested that dumbo rats are the only pet rats that sometimes do NOT display this trait.
moving the tail
Rats often wag their tails when excited or threatened.
sudden molt
When a pet rat tends to poop or urinate in certain situations, this can mean that these situations scare, surprise, or stress it out. A pet rat that may feel uncomfortable being handled by someone other than its owner may be one of the situations where sudden excretion can occur.
Aggression inside the cage.
Some pet rats may exhibit what appears to be aggression, including chasing, rolling, petting, nibbling, and jumping on each other.
For pet rats that are at puberty (5 to 6 weeks old), this may simply be an indication that they are play fighting or fighting. For adult male rats, this may be a sign that dominance is being established. For male and female rats, this can be a sign that they are mating.
Learning some of your dumbo rat’s behavioral habits will help you better understand your pet and be able to gauge its level of comfort and well-being. Observing dumbo rat behavior is certainly as much an art as it is a science, so take the time to get to know your rat and pretty soon you’ll be able to recognize the traits it exhibits in each circumstance.
Happy keeping dumbo rats!
