Why Does My Rat Smell like Warm Corn Tortillas
Male Rats
Male rats will have a nice earthy scent to them if their cage is cleaned at least twice a week. But sometimes you may have a rat that smells like warm corn tortillas or corn chips. You may think he got out of his cage and raided the chip bags but this is perfectly normal for him to have a warm tortilla scent.
I have 4 male rats right now and 2 of them smell like warm corn tortillas all the time while the other two smell slightly woodsy. The warm tortilla smell seems to happen a lot more often after they have all been curled up together and are warmed by each others bodies or after they have given themselves a good grooming.
Female Rats
Believe it or not female rats do not smell like corn tortillas, I had a female rat that smelled slightly like grape soda. I know it seems wholly unlikely that a rodent could smell like grape soda but mine did. A friend of mine had a female rat and she said her rat also smelled like grape soda. When it came time for a check up, my veterinarian told me that yes indeed rats sometimes will have the scent of corn tortillas, corn chips or grape soda and it's totally normal.
I like both male and female rats and even though males tend to get larger and lazier and a bit more laid back than females, both are great pets. That stereotyping doesn't always ring true either, I had a female rat that was every bit as lazy, laid back and friendly as all the other males I've had so it really just depends on the rat since they all have their own little personalities.
If your rats smell bad, then that is a good indication that you need to clean their cage more often. Rats will pick one corner of their cage to use as a toilet and you can keep the cage smelling better in between cleanings by spot cleaning the 'toilet' everyday. Some rats will urine mark or scent mark their territory, so be sure to watch your rats when they are out of their cage at play time.
Sources:
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-care/9/MICE-&-RAT/
Published by Mary Kirkland
Mary is originally from Redondo Beach, California and now lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband and daughter. Mary has had extensive experience with small animal care as well as rescuing and re-homing.... View profile
How to Make Corn Tortillas Using MasaThis articles teaches cooks how to use masa to make great Mexican meals.
Why Do My Cat's Feet Smell like Fritos Corn Chips?Are you wondering why your cat's feet smell like Fritos corn chips? You are not alone! There is a real reason behind Frito feet. Read on to find out more about this strange obse...
Gluten/Wheat Free Tricks Using Corn Based ProductsA guide for using common corn based products to enhance a gluten/wheat free diet. - Long-term Neurobiological Effects of Chronic Antidepressant Exposure During Preado...Fluoxetine (FLX), is prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder in young populations. The current study explored the short- and long-term consequences of preadolescent exposure to FLX on behavioral and...
Ten Uses for TortillasTortillas can be found at any Mexican feast, but they can also be found in most American pantries as well. Americans use tortillas not only to create Mexican dishes, but to als...
- La Tortilla Factory Hand Made Style Corn Tortillas Review
- The Differences Between Male and Female Rats
- How to Tell when a Pet Female Rat is in Heat
- Why Rats Make Great Pets
- How To Care for Your Hairless Rat
- Corn Tortillas: An Easy Recipe and Some Fun Facts About This Mexican Staple
- How to Make Corn Tortillas
- What does a male rat smell like?
- What does a female rat smell like?
- Why does my rat smell like warm corn tortillas?
3 Comments
Post a CommentI love the photo of your precious little rat. I hope that you are not tempted to take a bite out of your male rat. Ha, not funny! Never heard of them smelling like corn tortillas and grape soda? Woah!
I was in Petsmart a few months ago getting rat food and held 2 ferrets. They do have a very peculiar smell to them.
I must admit I don't want pet rats -- but I do have pet ferrets. Their natural smell is not offensive to me, though others dislike it greatly.