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Why is my baby rat shivering and acting weird, but not cold?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Male | unneutered | 0 lbs

I have a baby rat (about 13-14 days old) he's shivering really bad (he's not cold) and he's acting weird

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lotus Altholtz

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Lab Animal Medicine Specialist

Published on April 30th, 2018

Is he the only baby rat shivering? At 13-14 days of age rats are usually still nursing their mother with litter mates...rats sometimes shiver if they are scared or nervous. If he is nursing well, the same size as his littermates, active and alert when not nursing, I would remove any possible stressors such as loud noises, other pets, being picked up frequently. In addition providing enrichment in the form of cardboard huts or other opaque hiding spaces, as well as food enrichment may help. If he also appears lethargic, dehydrated etc. I would recommend bringing him in to a veterinarian that sees pocket pets/rodents for an exam.

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