Help!

[Lilhushpup]

Hello to all, I am suddenly seeing a behavior in Maisey (with fur). I noticed at first she's been biting Bella's neck and back area, no idea why. As I was observing her and Bella (hairless and blind) I noticed she is also sniffing Bella's private part quite a bit. Could they both be in heat and that's why? I've never seen this behavior before and these are my first rats I'm not quite sure. Can anyone please help me before Bella gets really hurt or I have to separate them?

 

[hopefloats]

Is bella's ears fluttering? Is she dancing in place? moving a few steps, stopping, moving a few steps and stopping?

 

[Joanne]

It would really help if you can record this and post a video so we can see the behaviour.

 

[Lilhushpup]

I haven't noticed any of those behaviors to be honest. Bella seems to be a bit less active though, not in a sick way but after Maisey bites her neck/back she moves away, that's when Maisey sticks her face under Bella's tail and seems to be sniffing for a short time.

 

[Lilhushpup]

Thanks Joanne for suggesting I get video. They are sleeping together right now. Also I'm not sure how to post a video here lol.

 

[t_osullivan_89]

Hmm. My girls are doing this too, I thought/think they are just playing though. Bagheera is very interested in her sisters bits, but, Baloo is the one "biting" Bagheeras neck and rump. Their cage is big so they have room to get away from one another but choose to play this "cat and mouse" game. Well, I assume it's a game! These are my first two rattie babies so maybe I. Should watch a little more to make sure it doesn't get serious.

 

[Joanne]

When they are in heat, the other girls will be interested in their nether regions. The one in heat may start and stop in bursts and the other girls may try and mount her, grabbing her on the back of her neck. If you pet the one in heat, she may scoot away from you, then stop and present her butt. She may arch her back and her head and sometimes their ears flutter. It can result in some chasing and wrestling but it is all harmless.

 

[SterlingRats0408]

Here is a video of 3 little girls going into heat for the first time. Gives you some look at their body language. These are extreme obvious reactions, not every rat does this. But I caught it on video to share. They were jumping on each other in a 'mounting' type posture shortly before.
Watch "12 wk old female rats in heat" on YouTube
12 wk old female rats in heat: https://youtu.be/omY7soLcI9g