[alliepie]

Hello,
I have had my wonderful Tillie for almost two years now. She has always been the sweetest girl, never bit, always tolerated being picked up fine although she is skittish and will run away often. Maybe two weeks ago, I was tickling her like normal, but she bit me-- hard. It drew blood, but I didn't blame her. I thought maybe she was frightened from being tickled, but nonetheless, it wasn't normal. I have tickled her and played since she was a baby and it was never an issue. I brushed it off.
Just now, she was looking adorable laying in her hammock. She loves when I gently pet her head! I put my hand in to do so and she very suddenly bit my finger, hard again! I thought maybe I startled her. Had food on my hands? So I put my finger near her hammock to let her sniff it and check it out and she bit me really hard again. this isn't like my Tillie...
I know how to treat these precious animals and to be patient and gentle. I wouldn't invade her space so rudely, and even if I did, she never bites. I have seen my family members be cough less than gentle with them, and they are angels with tolerating it.
I am really worried, she can't be pregnant because she only is with her sister. She doesn't seem in pain or sick.. eating and drinking well, and playing normally. This isn't like my baby Did I do something wrong? I try to think maybe I did, but it's odd because I only become softer with them as they age, but she is becoming aggressive... anyone have any ideas on what to do or think? I don't want to be scared to try to pet her...
Thanks all.

 

[ratbusters]

Hi there and sorry to hear about your girl.
Just yesterday, I was reading an article that you might find useful. Especially the bit that I've copied and pasted below. I will include the link to the whole article as well.
Perhaps she is starting to feel unwell or sore and its her way of telling you.

Behavioural changes – these are another very common sign that a rat is feeling off. They might include becoming more or less clingy than normal, being quieter than normal, being picked on by other rats, not wanting to come out the cage, biting, not wanting to be handled, wanting more cuddles, not showing enthusiasm for food, avoiding other rats, and many other things. What I’m looking for is anything different to how a rat normally acts.

Signs Your Pet Rat Is Sick Or Dying: Spot Them In Time! | Animallama

One downside to keeping rats is that they're prone to illness. That means knowing the signs of illness is an essential skill for all owners!

www.animallama.com

 

[RatPappy]

Poor girl. I can only imagine she is in unusual discomfort. It's very upsetting when your Rat bites you out of the blue. If you have a veterinarian who treats Rats I'd make an appointment soon.