rattytat
Well-Known Member
There seems to be all kinds of info out there on males and their hormonal/aggression issues, but I can't seem to find anything on females and possible problems. On Saturday something happened with my girls Stef and Lucy -( mother and daughter). They're both high energy, loveable, entertaining ratties. Lucy is shy, sweet, and she reminds me of a little ballerina. Stef, on the other hand, likes to be the center of attention at all times and when she goes into heat, she is just manic. These girls have been cagemates since Lucy's birth in Jan. Stef has always been a caring, affectionate mother to Lucy. When I take them out for playtime, it's like they're joined at the hip. Their two little faces always greet me whether they're in their cage or playing on the bed. However, on Sat, I heard a noise coming from their room and when I went in, Lucy was shrieking in this long, continuous cry. She was obviously distressed. Stef,who was going through her heat phase, was absolutely bouncing off the walls. It took me quite some time to calm Lucy down. I thought maybe she had fallen or injured herself somehow, but there are no visible indications of this
The saddest part is that Lucy has become really wary of Stef and does not play with her anymore. She tends to hide away under the blankets and other toys and basically keeps to herself.. It breaks my heart when I come into their room and I see Stef coming to greet me, but no sign of Lucy.
however, I can generally coax her out for a hug and a little playtime with me. Now, there does seem to be some improvement since Sat. particularly in the cage - Stef grooms Lucy, but I haven't seen it vice versa. Also, this afternoon, I noticed them cuddled up together in their hammock - for the first time since Sat. So, I'm sure things will improve.
Can anyone explain this to me? Do females in heat exhibit aggessive behaviour? Could Stef have intentionally hurt Lucy?
Is there anything I can do to calm Stef down during these periods? If she were a human, I'd give her some herbal tea Also, at what age do the females begin to go into heat? Lucy is 5 1/2 months and I haven't seen any signs as yet. Don't remember abut Stef, but she was only6-8 weeks when she had her litter of 8.
we also have 3 unaltered males - not in the same room, but on the other end of the hall from the girls.
All advice and comments welcome. Thanks
The saddest part is that Lucy has become really wary of Stef and does not play with her anymore. She tends to hide away under the blankets and other toys and basically keeps to herself.. It breaks my heart when I come into their room and I see Stef coming to greet me, but no sign of Lucy.
however, I can generally coax her out for a hug and a little playtime with me. Now, there does seem to be some improvement since Sat. particularly in the cage - Stef grooms Lucy, but I haven't seen it vice versa. Also, this afternoon, I noticed them cuddled up together in their hammock - for the first time since Sat. So, I'm sure things will improve. Can anyone explain this to me? Do females in heat exhibit aggessive behaviour? Could Stef have intentionally hurt Lucy?
Is there anything I can do to calm Stef down during these periods? If she were a human, I'd give her some herbal tea
Also, at what age do the females begin to go into heat? Lucy is 5 1/2 months and I haven't seen any signs as yet. Don't remember abut Stef, but she was only6-8 weeks when she had her litter of 8.we also have 3 unaltered males - not in the same room, but on the other end of the hall from the girls.
All advice and comments welcome. Thanks
