Fear/Intro advice?

[Chevalrose]

So Romeo did really well tonight. He even hung out in a box with Newman and Cecil. He also has been getting along with Eastwood. The problem is that EVERYONE is afraid of him...he's created a poor reputation for himself. It's like he wants to snuggle, but the boys he's trying to snuggle with are just waiting to get away or for him to do something crazy. Is this something that will just pass with time? I feel bad because Romeo is totally alone since Oliver passed away Tuesday. Is it even possible his kindness has come about from lonliness? I'm considering trying to put Eastwood and Newman in with him tomorrow after I clean and see how it goes. I don't want him to be alone for too long.

I also have a problem with Pavil. He's not just scared of Romeo, he's TERRIFIED. Anytime Romeo comes near him he SCREAMS, shows his teeth, hisses, and acts generally terrified (Romeo did go after him once and got him on the leg, so it's not totally out of no where). The thing is he scares everyone else when he does it too. How do I calm him down?

 

[jorats]

Romeo is sending signals and language to the others that he's the boss and they should be afraid. This might never change. A neuter would change him and stop those signals. Or you could try intros but it could take months and months for those boys to no longer be afraid of Romeo.

 

[Chevalrose]

Do you think I should try to get Eastwood and Newman in with him or wait until after he's neutered? Like I said...I don't want him to be alone for too long.

 

[jorats]

You could continue the intros while waiting for the neuter.

 

[Chevalrose]

He's still doing well...better every time. I tried putting Eastwood and Newman into the cage with him after I cleaned, but I don't think he's ready for it yet. Too huffy. Outside of the cage he's even being more tolerant of Otis and very tolerant of Milo. I'll stick to what I'm doing until it seems to be the "norm" and will neuter Romeo, and probably Otis.

 

[jorats]

Don't add the cage to the intros until you know they are all ready for moving in together. Each time you put the rats in the cage before they are ready, you set them back further. Cage is territory.