This is a happy noise, right?

GrayLightNewDay · Feb 23, 2013

Whenever Calista grooms Navi, Navi always makes this sound. She even makes that noise when I am petting her when I am playing with both of them together. She never made any noise at all before I got Calista. It sounds like a happy noise, to me, but I have never had a rat make any noise before.

Here is a short video (note: the screeching noise at the very end was the TV, not the rats):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYyKUqiO ... e=youtu.be

Also, I know that igloo is too small for the both of them, I am getting a new one next week.

Ace8670 · Feb 23, 2013

It's a short squeak it usually happens during head grooming, mild social interactions it also says it is used for agonistic encounters but I doubt that's what's going on so I'd say is a sound of commitment

I just use this site idk if its 100% accurat but its been right with me when I use it to look up noises
http://www.ratbehavior.org/norway_rat_vocalizations.htm

jorats · Feb 23, 2013

It's hard to tell what those noise means, it can mean a multitude of things I think, from slight protesting to pleasure sounds. If the rat seems to be enjoying the moment then I would definitely think it's a good noise.

GrayLightNewDay · Feb 23, 2013

I assumed so!

Last night I heard Navi making that noise A LOT and I went to see what was going on... Navi was laying on her back all stretched out with her eyes closed (I have never seen her lay on her back before), and Calista was grooming her belly and face. It was cute, but then I was worried that Calista was trying to dominate her and it was an unhappy noise... but when I started talking to them, Navi didn't move out of that position and Calista just laid down next to her and they went to sleep.

jorats · Feb 23, 2013

GrayLightNewDay said:
I assumed so!

It was cute, but then I was worried that Calista was trying to dominate her and it was an unhappy noise... but when I started talking to them, Navi didn't move out of that position and Calista just laid down next to her and they went to sleep.

Ha, there's your answer. She was loving it! :joy: