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What's considered too much porphyrin? *With picture*

2.3K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  Gusgus  
#1 · (Edited)
Hi guys! So my little Piper has been having some porphyrin secretions showing up for about a week now. I know this can be relatively normal but what crosses the line into an overproduction/cause to worry? The below picture is how we usually see it (although sometimes it's a tad tad more) before it gets groomed away, we've never seen it actively watering or anything.

Any opinions?

 
#2 ·
That's a normal amount.

Keep in mind that porphyrin is just their naturally-colored mucus and the presence of it, especially after waking, is very normal. It's only excess that you need to worry about, and that doesn't appear to be excessive.
 
#3 ·
That's totally normal. Porphyrin does not worry me, I've had my rats wake up with a lot of it on their face before but since they're still acting normal, it does not worry me. The only time you should be worried is if they stop acting like themselves. Or, if it has to do with their eye, look out for redness and pus. Porphyrin is not really a warning sign.