Screaming rat?

fumblesquid · Oct 8, 2014

So I currently have 3 rats, Moki, Lola (two girls), and Shaggy (neutered boy).

Lately (last couple of days) Lola has been screaming (like long squeaks) whenever one of the other rats tries to come near her, but only when Lola is busy with something. Lola will pin them down and get sort of aggressive (no blood) if the other rats advance towards her. But like I said, it's only when she's busy with something, i.e. food, chewing a toy, or nesting.

I don't think she's hurt, but I can feel around her body and see if she squeaks if you think that will help. But when this happens the other rats aren't even touching her - she just gets very vocal when they get near!

Just an odd behavior of hers, and I'd love to know why she's doing this. Like I said it's very recent. I'm thinking she might be gaining personality (lol) because she also did the "I'm gonna bite your hand and drag it into the cage with me" game for the first time on Saturday. It was adorable/painful, haha.

Thanks, I look forward to hearing possible reasons behind this behavior. I just hope she's ok.

Joanne · Oct 8, 2014

It sounds like she is just warning them away. "Stay away from me or I'll kick your butt!"

2Rats · Oct 8, 2014

They can be a little dramatic sometimes!
Ratties can get aggrevated with each other kinda like us humans do.

anic:

jorats · Oct 8, 2014

Squeaks are almost always protests. Like Joanne said, she's warning them to stay away.

littles · Oct 9, 2014

My jake is a screamer

thats just how they communicate that they dont like something. Bath time is the WORST!!! I wouldn't worry about it unless she has an injury It doesn't hurt to feel around a bit.

marissaceleste · Oct 9, 2014

One of my boys recently made the most pathetic, poor me long squeak.. I wouldn't quite call it a scream, but definitely a protest... all because I wouldn't let him parkour head first off the couch *sigh*. Some rats can be quite melodramatic at times, so it's probably just her way of telling the other's to keep away from her 'property' as the others have said. As long as no areas on her body seem sensitive or in pain, I wouldn't worry about it!