6 replies to this topic

[Journey Bush]

I just got 2 three-month-old male rats a couple of days ago (Pepper & Pine),

and I've noticed one of them Pepper is being picked on by the other rat Pine.

At night I can hear them running all over there cage, and I hear squeaking. 

Are they fighting, or is Pine just trying to show dominance?

[Robin~]

Hello!

 

This rat forum still appears to be up and pretty active. It may be worth posting this over there too.

 

The general rule of thumb for social animals is there's no need to separate until blood is drawn, but I have no experience with rats in particular so I can't say if this behavior is normal or not.

[Journey Bush]

Ok, thanks I'll check that out!

[Taxonomist]

 

I just got 2 three-month-old male rats a couple of days ago (Pepper & Pine),

and I've noticed one of them Pepper is being picked on by the other rat Pine.

At night I can hear them running all over there cage, and I hear squeaking. 

Are they fighting, or is Pine just trying to show dominance?

 

 

Are they neutered?

 

At 3 months, they're within a puberty / adolescent stage.  This can cause all sorts of crazy and possibly aggressive behaviors.  My boys were neutered, and they were still absolutely bonkers and hard to deal with around this age.

 

It may pass on its own or it may not. You may consider getting them neutered (if they're not), as it has a lot of other significant health and behavioral benefits as well.

[Journey Bush]

No they are not neutered.

I really hope it passes because one of them was squeaking really loud like a shriek and I've seperated them for now.

Any idea on what to do?

[Taxonomist]

Is there blood or visible injury on either? Have you observed their behavior and body language when they're interacting? Fur puffing, hunched back, and sidling are signs of "real" fighting as opposed to squabbles.

[Journey Bush]

Theres no blood or injury that I can see.

I couldn't see what they were doing because every time I go near the cage they just stop what there doing.

But when they interact thers no puffed up fur, and no hunched back that I can see. But they were standing on there hind legs a few times for a split second.