Introducing baby rats to older rats

[DeeDee]

So we’ve tried to introduce our babies to the older one. The babies are almost as big now. It’s been fine when it’s done anywhere other than the older rats cage. We’ve put the babies in the older ones cage while our older one was in the babies cage. We put the cages together. But the 2 times we’ve put them together in the older’s cage, it’s been ugly. Terrible fighting. We sprayed them with a water bottle. I know I’m chickening out too quickly but if I get the nerve to keep them together longer, can I be assured that if we spray them or bang in the cage really loud that it will cause them to separate?

 

[Big Schpog]

You need to do more neutral territory sessions. Doing it in their cage is causing the attacks. Banging the cage or spraying them isn't the solution to this. More time in neutral territory is. Sometimes these things can take weeks. I spent 6 weeks with my older girl doing intros with two youngsters. Time, neutral territory and patience.

 

[Karenin]

I agree with Big Schpog you need to do the intros in neutral territory

 

[Big Schpog]

By neutral territory, I mean a place where NONE of them have ever been and have no attachment to.

Also, here's a tip. Rats will fight over your affection too so when they are in the neutral space, don't give any of them affection. Don't single a rat out for pets or verbal loving.

They need to work with each other with no interference from you in the form of loving attention.

Of course if they get in a scrap ball, you should intervene and separate them.

There might be minor scraps, minor chasing and the standing on their haunches stare downs and those are OK. They are establishing a pecking order.

Rats kill with a bite to the neck. This is why one rat will roll on her back to prevent that bite. You can see this when they play together too. Play develops fighting skills. Most people might think the dominant rat is the one that doesn't go on his/her back but that's not necessarily true. A dominant rat will go on her back to show how skilled she is.

Take lots of time in this neutral space and you'll be able to tell when they are ready to be in a mischief. Just take the time, keep doing 20-30 minute sessions with them in the neutral space.