what does it mean when my rats do this? and, what should i name my new rat?

Question

ok, so i have 5 rats.
Jack, Shyloh, Oreo, Tucker, and then another one that i haven't named yet (the name options, if you wanna help me out on that too, are Remy--like from "Ratatouille"--, Mocha, and Milano--the brand of cookie. coz he kinda looks like a cookie. he's a brown dumbo rat with white paws and a white patchy/speckled belly.)
Anyways, so like whenever i stick my hand into their cage, or even go near their cage, they start making this funny noise, like they're chewing on something. They're not scared of me, coz they all run up to the cage door when they see me, and all try and pile onto my hand at the same time. and they do play with me and let me hold them. so i don't think it's a fear thing. they also continue to do this as a i pet them.
what does it mean?
also, my rats lick me ALL the time, ALL over. is that because i taste yummy (lol), or are they giving me ratty kisses?

oh, and here are some pics of the new guy :-)

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j63/blondie80389/aww1.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j63/blondie80389/aww4.jpg (he's yawning!!)

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j63/blondie80389/aww3.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j63/blondie80389/aww2.jpg (check out his big ears!!)

Answer 1

aww! i like the last pic, he probably keeps licking you because you taste yummy, lol you may have salt on your skin and they are licking that, it could also be that u ate something recently so they smell it on your hands, and u are yummy to them, it can also be a sign of affection, like dogs! they give little kissies =]

as for names? i like remy, its so cute, specially because i like ratetouille, if you want more name options, look here:
http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/namelists/a/namesrats.htm (it goes onto another page, look for the page numbers toward the bottom)

i don't know what that noise could be, but rats are vocal little ones! maybe its a form of purring? im not quite sure, but i don't think its anything bad

Answer 2

It's bruxing! They make the noise by grinding their teeth. It sometimes means your ratties are happy or nervous. Sometimes they do it when they are content, like a cat purring. They usually only do that when they are very relaxed. In my experience the bruxing is more often out of fear or nervousness. You would probably notice them making that noise when they go to the vet or in a new environment. It can also be totally random.
You can relate it to people biting their nails, it's a habit that may show up when you are nervous, stressed, bored or for no reason at all!

Make sure your little guys are happy and not stressed. Do they have enough space in their cage? Plenty or toys? Do they get a lot of playtime? Do they all get along? Hopefully answering those questions will give you a little insight into how they're feeling.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Your rats obviously like you a *lot* ;-)
The sound they're making is called "bruxing" & it's usually a sign of interest, contentment etc. (kinda like a cat's purr). Sometimes you can see they're eyes boggle when they do this-- it's pretty cool.
Also, the licking is a show of affection-- sweet rattie smooches.
We have 5 rats, too. Our 3 girls all swarm & pile on me, too. Our 2 boys are less enthusiastic but more cuddly once they come out.
Your new guy will let you know his name soon enough.

Answer 4

Your rat is adorable. I want a dumbo rat so bad or atleast one with color. I have 2 albino males. The colored ones are illegal here in Alaska for some reason. Its stupid! But I love my boys and wouldn't take anthing for them. I like the name Remy. And I have no clue what that noise is. lol

Answer 5

sooooo cute! Your new rat is adorable.

For the noise when you stick your hands in, I'm not sure, but on them licking you. That's probably because of the salt that you naturally have on your body. My rats do that also.

Answer 6

your rats are kissing you and tasting you - yes - they like you a lot
when they make that noise they are greeting you - this is their special greeting for you - lots of rats noises you can't hear
this is actually them rubbing their teeth together and is called bruxing
sometimes you can see their eyes vibrate when they do this

Answer 7

Its called bruxing.

They do it when they are happy.

Your ratties love you :)