Have you ever witnessed your pet boggling and bruxing? Did it maybe freak you out? If it did, there is no reason to worry about your beloved pet. Rats naturally boggle their eyes and brux their teeth. While bruxing, you will hear your pet rat grinding it’s teeth, chomping, and exhaling as if it’s tired of chewing on some food. As they brux their teeth, you’ll usually see the rat’s eyeballs bouncing or jiggling as they brux. Boggling looks absolutely terrifying to a new rat owner who has no idea of this happening; it almost looks like a mini rat seizure, which would definitely warrant a visit to a rat or small animal veterinary specialist. Check out what it means when they boggle and brux!

Understanding Rat Bruxing & Chattering!

Rat bruxing can mean a variety of different things to be honest. Usually, rats will brux in order to wear down their sharp ratty incisors. A rat’s teeth are always growing, and they have to grind them down. This is why it is important to keep plenty of chewing material inside of their cages at all times.

In addition, rats tend to chatter their teeth when they are in different moods as well. Two of the biggest times that they brux are during anxiety inducing situations and relaxed play or rest time. It can be a sign of contentment, happiness, and a full belly for the typical relaxed belly. For others, it could be a stressed habit after an intense dominance scrap or after a loud noise. Curious as to what this sounds like? Here’s a video!

What About Boggling in Fancy Rats??

As it turns out, boggling is directly associated with bruxing in fancy rats. There is a particular muscle that is attached to the rats’ jaw bones that is responsible for grinding teeth and chewing. As the rat begins its boggling, the muscle begins to tighten and loosen quickly. This muscle extends behind the rats’ eye sockets, and causes the eyeballs to bounce or jiggle as it contracts rapidly. It’s definitely an interesting phenomenon it the ratty universe, and it can quickly freak out new rat owners or curious friends. This behavior definitely isn’t a reason to worry, so don’t have a panic attack the next time your rat bruxes and boggles! As a matter of fact, it is considered the “Rat Purr” when the rat is happy and relaxed, ready to crash out for naptime! Here’s a video of some boggling!



Do Pet Rats Chatter and Boggle When They Are Happy, Relaxed, or Sleepy?

Yes! Rats will perform this behavior mostly when they are happy with their environment, being held, relaxing after feeding time, and when they are ready to fall asleep. As you can see in the video above, this fancy dumbo rat is enjoying his hammock and is getting ready to have himself a little cat nap. If you’re holding your pet rats and they begin to do this, then you know that they are perfectly happy with you and trust you.

If you are trying to tame, rehabilitate, or calm a jittery rat that hasn’t been handled much, this is a huge stepping stone on the way to success. Timid rats who begin to boggle and brux during playtime are definitely beginning to trust you, and this will help you to recognize your progress. Try giving your pet rat treats when he or she boggles, as this will only add to their contentment!



