This is a red discharge that you will see coming from a rat’s eyes or nostrils. It can become dried and crusted when present for any length of time. Porphyrin looks just like blood, but is really a secretion from your rat’s Hardarian glands, located behind each eyeball. Sometimes you can see it on the from arms too, as they clean it off of their faces. The presence of *SOME* porphyrin is typically normal, but increased amounts can be a sign of stress, illness, or respiratory distress.

Parallax vision, Head bobs!

If you have a pink, red, or ruby eyed rat, you may see their head swaying from side to side or bobbing up and down. Sometimes a rat who utilizes parallax vision has eyes that look almost black, but they may actually be a very dark red. When they move their head from side to side, or up and down, they are helping to compensate for their poor eyesight. This movement allows them to better focus and perceive distances and depth.  

Marking

Both genders can be found marking all throughout their cage, but typically males will do it most.  They do this by dribbling urine as they walk or climb from place to place. 

Barbering and power grooming, just as it sounds!

Barbering/Power Grooming is when a rat overgrooms and can potentially create hairless spots.  This can happen from one rat to another, or a rat can also do it to themselves.  Often this happens around the shoulders or neck area.  

Boggling

Yes, their eyes are popping in and out if their head, no they are fine! This can happen when your rat is feeling very relaxed and happy! Consider it a compliment! Boggles can also be accompanied by bruxing.

Bruxing