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My rats get red stuff on their backs2007-11-24 22:12:59

It could be food I guess but it does not seem like it.

Answers:

The red stuff is porphyrin staining, which comes from the Harderian gland (which is something rats have and we don't). It doesn't necessarily mean that they are sick, but it might indicate that they are a little stressed out. It's completely normal, and unless it's excessive or your rat seems to be in some discomfort, it's not anything to worry about.

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What are you doing with those nasty things as pets?

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If they are also losing hair in the area it means that you should be keeping their enviroment more dry and clean. Make sure they eat a balaced diet and take them out to play.

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I used to have two rats and my white rat got red stuff on its back. If your rats are old it could be from old age where their starting to lose their fur, that's what was wrong with mine

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On the skin or fur? If the skin, it could be mites/lice or allergies. Could you give more information? Any other signs? Here's a link that might help. It's a mouse site, but it's a good source of parasite and allergy information.

http://www.thefunmouse.com/info/hair-los...

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you didn't provide many details, but i hope this helps:

Unneutered males are prone to buck grease, an oily orange skin discharge usually caused by an overproduction of testosterone. An increase in more omega-3 fatty acids in their diet usually helps. Give them flaxseed oil or olive oil on wheat bread a 2 - 3 times a week. This not only reduces the buck grease, but also improves the condition of their coat, making it softer and shinier.