Adult male rat introductions

[Elliriyanna]

I have two males Yuki and Apollo. Apollo was just neutered Thursday in hopes of giving him a cage mate. my current plan is to wait until Apollo's stitches heal and move the cages closer ( about 6 inches apart) after apollo seems more comfortable switch hammocks and igloo's for a week then start cage switching for a week or two until they are comfortable. Then try the bathtub introductions with the water around an island ( 30 minute sessions minimum if no problems arise) . Apollo is significantly more aggressive and MUCH bigger than Yuki so I want to take this slow. Is there anything I should change with my plan? And I will update this as things progress with how they are doing and if issues arise

 

[jorats]

Your plan sounds good. Do keep in mind though, how rats react behind bars (in cage) is not an indication of how they will react face to face. So even though Apollo is acting aggressive while in his cage, it doesn't mean he will be with the rat... he might be, but he might not.
I'm going to move this to the behaviour section, I always keep an eye on that section, if you plan on updated this post, then I can spot it right away and offer support and advice if need be.

 

[Elliriyanna]

I know that he may not be as aggressive outside but Yuki is so much smaller I would rather play it safe


Last night I went ahead and gave Yuki some of Apollo's fleece and Apollo a piece of the flooring from Yuki's cage ... Yuki just sniffed the fleece completely curious Apollo did the same but he was kind of huffing. sniffing so hard it seemed like he couldnt catch his breath. He also pulled it down and peed on it overnight whereas Yuki just laid in his castle and ignored the fleece

 

[jorats]

The "inhaling" the scent is natural, dogs do this too, it's to be bring the smell closer to their olfactory receptors in the nose. I believe it's the same in rats but not as developed as in dogs. I've seen even my cat do this.

Baby steps is good... just don't get discouraged is all I'm saying.

 

[Elliriyanna]

Oh I know i have to go slow Apollo has never had a cage mate they are both adult males and Yuki is submissive.

I know its natural my hams do it it was just intense sniffing

 

[Elliriyanna]

GOOD NEWS!!!!!!! So I decided last night after watching Apollo and considering his behavior inside and outside his cage to go ahead and try the bathtub with water method NO fights ... after half an hour I went ahead and put them on the bathroom floor still no issues they kind of ignored each other So i put them in the bottom half of Yuki's cage ( Yuki never goes in there ) And after another hour there was only one small scuffle no blood mostly yuki went back to his house on the top half and APollo hung out on the top half. I know I moved fast but I was fully prepared just in case they even did fine in the crate together.

I had videos but my stupid memory card corrupted

 

[Zooy]

That's awesome! Keep on this pattern that they'll soon be introed!

 

[Elliriyanna]

How do I know when they are ready? They mostly ignore each other

 

[jorats]

Wow...that is fast. lol
If you see them sticking together or even cuddling then it's a safe bet all will be well. I would do at least 4 days of intros though.

 

[Elliriyanna]

Its going to be a little before they stop just wanting to explore seperately but I will be doing daily bonding sessions until they cuddle and also stay home with them when they are finally introduced

 

[Elliriyanna]

Intro's so far Yuki kinda freezes up ... please let me know whats going on with them I am new to rat body language

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noKRj3ham8k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utgt3y6GqUU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n18UO7jEF0I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_AWJ61vbe8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZTeTpitlHE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaXMdea8kDY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QqjbEFo1JM