Intro: Jo + Ginny to the adults

[Bronwyn]

I've had the five out in my room together and the babies were flipped but that was all. I just had them in the tub figuring starting from scratch would be the wisest thing to do but the fifteen minutes they were in there, not a single thing happened. They mingled together and didn't flip anyone. Does this mean the floor (play area) is where they should be at this stage?

 

[Moon]

I would think that the floor is probably fine, especially if you're not seeing any problems.

 

[Bronwyn]

Perfect. It's difficult keeping the bigger ones in the tub, lol.

There's a lot of squeaking from the babies but I've been watching carefully and I'm guessing they're just protesting to being flipped over.

Elphie's definitely the toughest on them which is surprising as she was sooo great when Phoe was introduced.

 

[Bronwyn]

Mm, things took an odd turn tonight. Brie and Elphie fought each other over who got to pin down little Jo. :?

Will lots of floor time fix this? I just don't remember as much squealing with my first intro. No blood or puffiness or anything. It goes from perfectly happy rats in the tub to mayhem on the floor.

Phoe is the only adult who not only tolerates them but will play with them. It's really nice to watch after seeing the dumbo sisters take a swing at them.

 

[jorats]

The reason being is that the floor belongs to the older girls so they will be "meaner" there.
I'd go back to the tub for a few days then try again on the floor. The flips are harmless but it can still very much scare the little ones.

 

[Bronwyn]

Back to the tub it is. Fortunately there's no rush since the babies are still small thus can't live in the FN anyway. But it would be nice if they could coexist before April 30, the day I move out.

 

[jorats]

Oh, I'm sure they will be together way before then.

 

[Cait]

How goes it, Bron?

 

[Bronwyn]

I've been too nervous to try again. :lol: No one gets hurt, but I'm nervous about the babies getting scared. It took them a while to come out of their shells. Like over a week! So I worry the dumbo sisters will undo whatever good has happened.

The babies actively play with Phoe on the floor - all three seem happy with it.

It sounds bad but I half wonder if it's not worth doing until Brie dies. She's alpha but it seems Elphie is fighting for that spot (all was peaceful for many months after Phoe was introduced), perhaps realizing the queen is dying. With both of them on one baby it seems too much for the baby, and unneeded stress for them.

Ah, the complexities of rat dynamics!

 

[jorats]

Don't forget though... the babies are learning how to be rats when the older ones do what they do. So it's not entirely a bad thing. I would try again, but shorter bouts so it doesn't overly stress the babies.

 

[Bronwyn]

This is true! Phoe does flip them over to keep them in line but she doesn't use her teeth, and just generally is way gentler with them. They seem so small in comparison to the other two.

 

[Bronwyn]

Just a wee update!

One garbage bag full of destroyed clothing later I tossed Phoe into the babies cage out of sheer desperation. You would too if you had a rat on your face every time the clock struck 4 am and it interrupted times with your boyfriend that shouldn't be interrupted. ¬¬

I watched her for a while, saw her flip the babies a few times but they allowed it and continued to popcorn around her. A few hours later I was thrilled to see a sweet rat pile. Jo and Phoe were spooning and Ginny was directly on top of Phoe. They looked so peaceful.

I'm wondering if I should let them grow just a little more before bringing the Dumbos back into the picture.

 

[jorats]

That would be a good idea.

 

[Bronwyn]

Brie's really cranky with the rats these days, even her sister, biting and whatnot, so I wonder if the cancer is taking hold.

It's nice though that Phoe's bunking with the babies now though - at least one rat will give them the attention they crave.

 

[jorats]

Poor Brie. I wonder if she might have some pain?

 

[Bronwyn]

It's definitely a concern. The tumor is larger and she's been nibbling at the fur I think as it's thinner on one side.

I have no idea when to call it. She's still eating vigorously and is fine with me, it's just other rats...

 

[jorats]

This is the hardest... can dad give you metacam and see if this helps her?

 

[Bronwyn]

I will certainly ask - my parents are in and out of the country frequently so hopefully there'll be a stop in Ontario soon! For now I'm putting piles of rat food in various locations of the FN so Elphie has a shot at getting her share. : / Poor things.

Edit: Phoe now prefers the babies (smaller) cage to her FN. During their out time today Phoe climbed on top of the FN and into the SuperPet cage to settle down to sleep. To her, a smaller cage is more ideal than living with Brie, and though I forced her to live with the babies for a few days, she now sees it as home it appears.

 

[jorats]

Phoe probably prefers the energy and happiness coming from the babies.

 

[Bronwyn]

Likely! But Elphie's a little ball of energy too. I think that's why there was peace between the sisters once Phoe was brought into our lives - Elphie had a playmate.

My father returned to Toronto around 2 am so I'll give him a call regarding the Metacam after he's had a nap. Luckily they'll be coming up to retrieve their dog so Brie hopefully will be relieved fast, assuming it's the pain that's caused her crankiness.