2007-05-24 11:22:43 · 5 answers · asked by Nara 1 in Pets ➔ Rodents
The chittering teeth is called bruxing. It is very similar to a cat's purr. They do it when they are happy and content and also when they are in pain or scared, as a way to comfort themselves. Bruxing also keeps their teeth trimmed and SHARP, which is why rats don't NEED to chew on things the way gerbils and hamsters do.
The eye thing is called boggling. It usually means you have a VERY HAPPY rat! It sure is strange looking, though, isn't it?
2007-05-24 16:14:36 · answer #1 · answered by luvrats 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally that means that the rat is excited and happy. It's OK. A rat's eyes may even bug out. That means they're REALLY excited.
Another strange thing you may encounter in rats is a back bend when you are holding them. This is unrelated to the chittering, but I thought I'd mention it as well. This reaction means they don't want to be held and it usually makes you set them down because its pretty creepy when it happens. They aren't hurting, they just know it works to get what they want. Rats are very smart.
The links below explain the vibrating eyes and other ratty behavior.
2007-05-24 18:39:54 · answer #2 · answered by luvianacaro 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He's a happy little critter!
My rat does that all the time when I pet him, it's normal.
2007-05-24 20:43:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
He escaped a Harry Potter book.
2007-05-24 18:26:36 · answer #4 · answered by CarbonDated 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Probably scared, or really excited. Over...something? Maybe try spending more time with the little furry fellow.
2007-05-24 20:53:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋