Confused - Chaulky Not Interested in Eating...

JenD · Jul 7, 2010

I have a 14 month old male rat who, as of a few minutes ago, is suddenly not interested in eating & I'm a little concerned. He's one of four, all around the same age. I gave them their usual snack of peas after I put my children to bed and I think he ate them fine, but then when I offer them cereal mix, he seemed to be struggling a bit to climb out of his comfy cube onto one of the ledges (as if he was too heavy and it was a strain on his muscles). He didn't want any of the cereal mix, so I offered dry pasta, but not interested in that either. I took him into the kitchen and gave him a taste of cottage cheese, which he licked off my fingers, but didn't want the actual curd. I tried his favorite bread and no cigar either...he seems to just want to sit there, while his buddies are more active and interested, though he is actively grooming right now. He did climb up to my shoulder, so that was good - he's not overly lethargic, but a little *flat* or more sedentary than normal. He also feels very heavy to me (heavier than usual), but has always been the largest, most sedate one of the bunch. He's been the one with the respiratory issues and as a baby, was on antibiotics. Everything else about him appears normal - he gave kisses and doesn't appear to have any injuries. Maybe he's a little under the weather and I'm over reacting??? But it's unusual for him to turn down food - he loves to eat and is my giant man rat...any thoughts or things I should try to see if he'll eat? Maybe this is common as they get older??? Pickier eaters?

Thanks everyone, in advance...

Rachael · Jul 7, 2010

Give him a treat and see if he can hold it. If he's not able to hold it/is down on his elbows then it's a brain tumour...

I really hope not but they are usaully a bit "off" and won't be able to eat their normal foods (but he licked food of your finger). You'll need to give him runny foods for now that he can manage.

Cigar · Jul 7, 2010

Had you had a look in his mouth to make sure his teeth aren't overgrown? He'd definitely be under the weather and not willing to eat if that's the case.

jorats · Jul 7, 2010

Definitely check the teeth.
Some rats have off days, I'd wait it out a bit. But if this goes on for more than 2 days, I'd get him checked out by the vet.

JenD · Jul 9, 2010

Thanks everyone. He went back to acting fine about an hour later - he ate a bit of banana and is back to normal now, so maybe it was just an off moment...I will keep an eye on his teeth, though. He doesn't gnaw as much as the others do so that's a good thing to watch out for...I appreciate all three of your responses rat mommas! We're having a birthday party tonight because our younger two turn 1 today!!!! :joy: So my daughters and I are baking something special and all our ratties will join in on the celebration! :dance: