Biting. Going through intros

RKbusy · Feb 22, 2010

I honestly need some help here. I've had the new boy Sketch since January 16th (so over a month ago). His cage has been next to the other boys' cage for almost exactly a month (a little more than a month). Sketch is not puffing up or reacting to the other rats. None of the others are reacting either EXCEPT for Monkey. Even after a MONTH, Monkey will just randomly go up to the side of the cage where Sketch is and just go crazy. He puffs up, he snorts, he's hissing, he's biting the bars and he'll go after one of the other rats in his cage if they touch him when he's doing this. It hasn't gotten any better at ALL.

I put them all in the bathtub ONCE, but realized after just a few minutes that it wasn't going to go well, so I took Monkey out. The others are all perfectly fine with Sketch. Monkey's the only one who can't seem to stand him.

Another thing that is worrying me is how much he's biting. Monkey has bit me 4 times since I got Sketch. I would say the first 3 times were more or less my fault, since I had been holding/petting Sketch, and then I went over and tried to offer Monkey some food or pick him up. I keep forgetting to wash my hands in between. All of the bites have been pretty deep and bled a LOT. And then today, I hadn't even been petting Sketch, I was just letting him take some food out of my hand. And then I went and sat down on the ground. Monkey came over, very purposely sniffed my fingers, didn't really do anything at first, and then SUDDENLY, just out of nowhere, he puffs up and bites down. My thumb is a COMPLETE mess now. And it's the first time I'm actually a little upset about being bit. I mean, it was my THUMB. How likely is it that my THUMB is covered in Sketch's scent?

Monkey is 1 year old and neutered (September 4th, 2009).
What should I do? Would it help if I got Sketch neutered? He does smell quite strongly, I have to admit, even compared to Liam who is not neutered.

Thanks in advance.

lilratsy43 · Feb 22, 2010

WOW, the first thing I was going to suggest was to get Monkey neutered, but seeing he already is I don't have any suggestions.

Perhaps someone else will have something for you....

jorats · Feb 23, 2010

He really needs to get to know the new boy so he doesn't feel so threatened anymore. It can definitely help getting the new guy neutered.
Why did you think it was going to go badly?

Can you do intros with the new boy and the easy going boys and then do the intro with Monkey and new boy alone? On say... a washing machine while it's in use? A scary situation might very well force him to bond to Monkey.

RKbusy · Feb 23, 2010

Unfortunately, the washing machine is not an option as I'm in an apartment, where the machines are shared and sort of... public.

Also, when I mean it was very clear it wasn't going to go well, is that Monkey was completely puffed up and just pushing against Sketch and the others doing the crab walk (like he was trying to shove them over sideways).

And yes, I have intro-ed Sketch with all the others. They actually get some out-time together, while Monkey sulks alone in the big cage and randomly attacks the bars whenever Sketch or Liam get too near.

Should I give them another month or so? With cages side-by-side? I'm just afraid to think what will happen if I do get Sketch neutered, and Monkey still won't accept him.

Also, another idea, I was thinking I could do something a little extremely, like partially flooding the tub and intro-ing Monkey and Sketch there. But then, do I just leave them in the tub for 20 mins and then take them out and dry them... and then what? I doubt they'll suddenly be all friendly and cuddly, but is there a middle ground? Like, should I put them on neutral territory (that doesn't terrify them) as they lick themselves dry? Or is that going too fast?

Thanks again.

jorats · Feb 23, 2010

You could do that with the bathtub and water because the goal is to get it scary so they bond.

RKbusy · Feb 23, 2010

Okay. So I booked a neuter for this Thursday. Sketch will have lots of cuddles and soy milk. Then hopefully, come next Wednesday (my completely free-from-school/work-day), if he's healed up and if his smell has gone away, I'll try the flooded bathtub intro.

I just really really want them to love each other >.<

Thanks for the advice.

And *sigh*, there goes another $200...

jorats · Feb 24, 2010

Hang in there!!

RKbusy · Feb 25, 2010

Sketch is home from his neuter! He's not very happy with me though. And is just huddling under the blankets in his cage. His wound is a bit bloody. >.< I think this is the first time I've seen a post-neuter wound that's still a bit bloody... should I be worried?!