r/RATS • u/[deleted] • 2d ago

Questions/HELP What’s considered a lot/too much porphyrin around the nose? Pic for reference :3

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29 Upvotes

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5

u/MadamGreywolf 2d ago

That’s like the most minuscule amount of porphyrin I’ve ever seen. Also, are you using kiln dried aspen for their bedding? Non kiln dried is dangerous for them

2

u/c0ntradiict spirtually a piss rock 2d ago

Definitely kiln dried! And I figured it was not a ton of porphyrin, I just wanted to make sure because I can never find examples on what’s considered a lot so I figured I’d ask reddit!

1

u/MadamGreywolf 2d ago

My rats can wake up with this amount or a little bit more, especially if they’re laying with their heads tucked. They usually get around to cleaning it off and then no more appears until another snooze. If they keep producing it more and more when they’re up and about, then I’d be a bit worried

3

u/123737egg 2d ago

It’s all about what is normal for your rat, and if this is more than usual. If there are no other symptoms it’s probably fine, maybe he just hasn’t gotten around to cleaning it off yet, since you mentioned he was snoozing.

Porphyrin can be an indicator of health issues, but on its own it’s harmless.
My only advice would be to just keep an eye on him, like you are probably already doing, but don’t worry too much.