Are they just grieving or is there something more?

[uglycupcake]

Ever since one of my girls passed two days ago, there has been some behavior changes. But they're not typical...

There are four girls remaining, and one of them (after hiding for half a day) has made a point to greet me at the door and sit still for scritches and is being more interactive with me than she used to. I guess she recognizes that I'm sad and wants to comfort me?

My other three girls on the other hand will approach me only if they're grabbing a treat from me... and the rest of the time they don't want to be anywhere near me. But they're not snubbing me. They seem genuinely scared of me, as if I will hurt them or something.

I wonder if they think I killed their friend ...?

Anyone had similar experiences? I was expecting lethargy, lowered appetite and other signs like that.

It also makes it really hard for me to check their lungs and make sure they're clear (since their friend died of pneumonia).

 

[jorats]

They definitely don't blame you.
But there will be changes because they lost an important member of the colony.
Try and keep a routine with them.

 

[xKrAzEdShOoTeRx]

Sad, I wish rats lived forever, it woould be so much easier

 

[victoria]

Rats often grieve but it can be even more pronounced if they sense that you're grieving. It's possible some of their changes in behaviour are coming from subtle cues from you.

If they're lethargic though (not just less energetic but truly sluggish/apathetic) I would consider a vet check just to make sure they are ok if you haven't already done so. Not all lung noises can be heard without a stethoscope and rats sometimes hide symptoms really well until they are very seriously ill.

 

[henry's_mum]

My Murdoch was NEVER the same after he lost Henry.... Some rats just never get over the loss... Just like us.
((hugs))