SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/small-rat-red-tears

Reddish-brown crust around a pet rat's eyes and nose is usually what?

Red tears, a gland secretion that can mean stress or illness.

Start playing free

  1. Dried blood from a fight
  2. Color from fruit treats
  3. A gland secretion that can signal stress or illness ✔

Why: A gland behind a rat's eye makes a reddish-brown fluid that looks like blood but is not. A lot of it around the eyes and nose can mean the rat is stressed or sick, so check for other signs and call a vet.

Huh, didn't know that: Head tilt, often called wry neck, is another sign a rat needs a vet.

The dad joke
Why are rats such good secret keepers? They never squeal.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: A gland secretion that can signal stress or illness. A gland behind a rat's eye makes a reddish-brown fluid that looks like blood but is not. A lot of it around the eyes and nose can mean the rat is stressed or sick, so check for other signs and call a vet.

  1. Routine Health Care of Rats, Merck Veterinary Manual www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/rats/routine-health-care-of-rats
    This secretion (sometimes referred to as red tears) gives the appearance of blood but does not contain blood.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Small PetsWhich small pet is mostly awake during the day, so kids can handle it without waking it?Small PetsWhat is the right way to pick up a pet rat?Small PetsWhat helps most against chronic breathing disease in pet rats?

That's stuff everyone should know.