I’m about to take you “behind the scenes” into the rat’s mind. You could say that this is a Rat / People dictionary on the behavior of rats.
If you pay close attention to the things that I am about to reveal to you, you will definitely have more success with your pet rat.
First of all … what is a rat look?
What is a rat look, I hear you ask?
Do your rats have a disturbing habit? Do they look straight ahead for long periods of time?
Is it quite disconcerting to see them staring, motionless, with their eyes wide open for hours on end?
Do your rats see dead people? Is it a sixth sense thing?
Don’t worry, you are not alone. For anyone who has (ed) a rat, this is normal rat behavior.
This issue explains the Rat Gaze and other behaviors and body language of rats.
Pet owners often speak to their “babies” in human baby language, but as with any animal (smart as they are!), You probably better understand their rats’ behavior from their body language. In the case of rats in particular, there are telltale signs that they will demonstrate and that you will be able to interpret successfully.
The following are some of the typical things pet rat owners have seen their friends do from time to time. Some are fun, some can be a little scary … but rest assured, most of it is just your usual rattie’s demeanor!
Note: these rat behaviors are generally perfectly normal in rats that are healthy and well socialized, with no current apparent medical problems (they are active and their diets and bowel movements are normal). If your rat is not eating well, has improper bowel movements, or is displaying other unusual or destructive behavior, see a small animal veterinarian or your rat breeder immediately.
Body language –
Your only rat curls its tail (while your other rat doesn’t)
Possible reasons:
Your rat is simply balancing itself. A rat’s tail is good for balance, even if a rat appears to use its tail more. Watch and you will see that both rats keep their tails ½ “off the ground, particularly when balancing on your shoulder or climbing to a higher space.
Body language –
Your rat stands up and ‘swings’ its nose in the air. Your rat rocks its head from side to side.
Possible reasons:
Your rat is sniffing! Rats have an incredible sense of smell and are just identifying something in the air that intrigues them.
Rats do not have superior vision. Fear not, your rat can see, but sight is not its strongest sense, which makes this normal behavior part of your rat’s vision process.
Body language –
Your rat is licking you all the time.
Your rat is grinding its teeth in your ear!
Your rat’s eyeballs are popping out of his head!
Possible reasons:
Face it, you are a big rat to them!
That’s actually a huge compliment to you, and all those behaviors (“groggy” teeth and eyes “bruxism”) mean that your rat loves you and will try to groom you like a true companion (they probably like the salt taste of your skin!).
Here are some common rat behaviors and rat body language that people have questions about and experiment with with their pet rat. These explanations I have provided will ensure that they will help you understand your little friend (s) and will ensure that they are a successful rat owner.